Chinese tourists are resuming travel, with Greece, including Athens and Santorini, being popular destinations. Lan Xiaocheng's travel agency is preparing for increased tourism following China's reopening of borders. Greece anticipates a significant rise in visitors, with the Ministry of Tourism expecting higher spending from Chinese tourists. Direct flights between China and Greece have resumed, and both countries are working to revive their tourism sectors post-pandemic.

Greece is experiencing grief and public outrage following the country's worst train crash, which resulted in 57 fatalities. Protests are anticipated as the public seeks answers about the crash's cause. Funerals for the first victims were held, while searches continue for missing individuals. A vigil at Larissa train station honors the memory of the deceased, many of whom were students. A 59-year-old station manager has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges in connection with the collision.

Greek mountain tea, also known as sideritis, is gaining popularity in Greece, traditionally not known for its tea consumption. Historically used for medicinal purposes, it is now enjoyed as a non-medicinal beverage, with an eight percent increase in consumption over the past year. Tea houses are emerging, offering a variety of teas and educating consumers on their benefits. Greek mountain tea is praised for its health benefits, ease of preparation, and as a relaxing alternative to coffee.

BYD, the world's largest electric battery and vehicle maker, has entered the Greek market, aiming to capitalize on the country's growing demand for electric vehicles. The Greek government has pledged to ban new gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030 and offers grants to encourage the switch to electric vehicles. BYD's ETP3 model is highlighted as a cost-effective option compared to competitors like Citroen and Renault. The company has already sold its initial fleet and plans to introduce passenger vehicles later in the year. The Greek market for electric vehicles is expanding rapidly, with over 8,000 units sold in 2022.

Greece has introduced new restrictions on travelers from China, requiring a negative COVID-19 test and high-protection masks at airports. Despite the U-turn in policy, Greek restaurant owners remain optimistic about the return of Chinese tourists, emphasizing their confidence in safety measures and expressing more concern about inflation than the virus. The tourism sector, which suffered during the pandemic, has rebounded with record arrivals, and further increases are expected with more flights from China.

High energy costs, inflation, and rising food prices in Greece are causing significant changes in consumer behavior, with many Greeks turning to farmers markets to avoid the high prices at supermarkets. A recent survey indicates that seven out of ten Greeks have cut back on basic food items, and the price of some groceries has risen by 13 percent. The Greek government, led by Kyriakos Mitotakis, has announced price caps on basic food products to mitigate the impact of inflation. Local residents and officials express concerns about the severe economic challenges, predicting a difficult winter ahead.

The Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria pipeline is now operational, providing an alternative to Russian gas for the Balkans. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed it as a game changer for energy security. The pipeline, funded by Greece, Bulgaria, and the EU, connects with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline and will eventually increase gas flow to 4.5 billion cubic meters annually. Von der Leyen also addressed rising energy costs, emphasizing the need for a unified European strategy, though she recently rejected a proposal for a gas price cap, a decision criticized by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Greece is facing significant labor shortages across various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and construction, with over 200,000 positions remaining vacant. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, as many workers have not returned to low-paid jobs. Despite efforts by the Greek government and the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility to create jobs, there is a lack of applicants. Workers express dissatisfaction with low wages and poor working conditions. Giorgos Stasinos of the Technical Chamber of Greece suggests subsidizing employment to incentivize job-seeking, but the problem persists.

Greece is preparing for the upcoming fire season, aiming to prevent a repeat of the devastating wildfires of 2021. Measures include clean-ups, ground patrols, and air surveillance. The first responder group VYRONAS, consisting of former firefighters, emphasizes the importance of preparation, such as clearing paths and patrolling forests. Despite the start of the summer season, volunteer Stavros Salagiannis criticizes the delayed start of clean-up operations. The European Union is providing over 200 firefighters and technical equipment to Greece. Experts advocate for investing in prevention and preparation to combat increasingly powerful wildfires.

Greece's olive tourism industry, long popular for its tastings and press visits, is undergoing a modern transformation with the help of new government funds. The Markellos Olive press in the Peloponnese peninsula is leading the way by incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, allowing visitors to engage with the olive harvesting process year-round. The Greek government is supporting this sector with grants to help businesses recover from the pandemic and become more visible globally. Key figures like Nikos Markellos and Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zaharaki are optimistic about the industry's future.

Greece is making significant strides in renewable energy, with wind turbines setting a national record by contributing 81 percent of the country's electricity on September 6. The country is transitioning to clean energy and carbon neutrality, with substantial investments in green energy infrastructure, including underwater cables connecting mainland power stations to islands. The Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) is leading these efforts, which have already reduced CO2 emissions significantly. Greece's initiatives align with the European Union's goal to be a global leader in combating climate change.

Greece's privatization agency transferred an additional 16 percent stake in Piraeus Port to Chinese shipping giant COSCO, increasing its share to 67%. This follows Greek lawmakers' approval of a deal allowing COSCO to raise its stake, facilitating significant investment in the port's infrastructure. COSCO's investment has led to increased container capacity, cargo handling, and job creation, with plans to create 10,000 jobs in the next five years. The port of Piraeus, a key project in the Belt and Road Initiative, has become a major hub for goods in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. Despite environmental concerns, COSCO ensures investments consider environmental impacts. This investment is a significant boost for the Greek economy, strengthening ties between Greece and China.

German households face higher fuel prices due to a new CO2 tax aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 95 percent by 2050. Despite the tax, environmentalists argue that the current pace of energy transition is too slow to meet the Paris Climate Agreement targets. The German government hopes the tax will raise awareness and encourage investment in climate-neutral technologies. Germany remains the EU's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, producing around 700 megatons annually.

As a semblance of normalcy returns to Germany amidst the coronavirus pandemic, children are resuming school, and businesses such as barber shops, museums, and local services are reopening. Three service sector business owners share their experiences of returning to work and the additional safety measures they are implementing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 200,000 deaths and nearly three million infections globally. The financial repercussions are significant as governments enforce lockdowns and businesses take severe actions, severely affecting the livelihoods of millions. Service industry workers in Berlin share their experiences of job disruptions and financial difficulties during the transition from a semi-lockdown to normalcy in Germany and other European countries.