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Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

The Greek Herald
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Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

By Thodoris Roussos

With impressive participation and substantial content, the first online informational event (TaxWebinar), dedicated exclusively to Greeks abroad and tax residents of other countries, was held on Wednesday, July 9.

More than 850 expatriates, from every corner of the globe, logged on to follow the informational initiative co-organised by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

webinar greeks abroad
webinar greeks abroad

During the webinar, current tax issues concerning Greeks abroad were presented, such as:

  • The process of registering in the Greek tax registry and transferring tax residency
  • The basic obligations of tax residents abroad
  • The available options for alternative taxation and tax incentives for investors and individuals
  • The commencement of professional or business activity in Greece
  • The customs facilitations for relocating one’s residence to the country
  • The digital applications and services of the AADE, which offer safe and continuous access from abroad

The event was opened, via online address, by Secretary General Maira Myrogianni, AADE Governor Giorgos Pitsilis, Director General of Taxation Giorgos Fakos, and Vivian Sartzetaki, Head of Department A’ of the Directorate of Service. The seminar was moderated by Panagiotis Ballas, Director of the Tax and Customs Academy.

Ms Myrogianni pointed out that this particular initiative forms part of a broader strategy of dialogue and support for the diaspora, responding to real requests from expatriate communities.

As she stressed, the goal is to provide meaningful facilitation to Greeks abroad on tax, property and administrative matters, with respect to the particularities of each case.

At the same time, she announced that more targeted informational actions will follow.

“This initiative is the result of ongoing dialogue with Greek communities around the world, it responds to relevant requests from expatriates, and its aim is to facilitate Greeks abroad in their dealings with Greek authorities and services on issues of taxation, finance, property and bureaucratic procedures,” she said, among other things.

webinar greeks abroad
webinar greeks abroad

From his side, the Governor of AADE, Mr Pitsilis, highlighted the importance of a two-way relationship of trust with Greeks of the diaspora.

As he characteristically stated: “This webinar is tangible proof that we are consistently by your side, with the Greeks of the diaspora and all those who live and are taxed abroad. With modern, user-friendly digital services and immediate information through our website, we strive to serve you easily and effectively—wherever you may be. Your participation and interest give us strength to continue even more decisively, building a relationship of trust that transcends borders and distances.”

More information, useful tools, and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the official AADE website, in the “Expatriates & Residents Abroad” section at www.aade.gr, also available in English.

Special mention must be made of Konstantinos Karagiannis and Ioanna Tsinti, who in turn made sure to answer as many questions as possible from participants regarding their tax obligations as Greeks abroad, as well as how they can settle them.

Due to the enormous participation, there was no time for a Q&A session at the end, but the organisers of the session and the representatives of AADE kindly requested that those participants with questions contact them directly so that they may guide them on anything they need.

Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Buenos Aires, Berlin, Tbilisi, California, Chicago, Texas, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Doha, Vienna, Alicante, and countries such as Peru, South Korea, South Africa, Canada, France, Norway were some of those who had representatives in this session.

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

The Greek Herald
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From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

By Panagiotis Dalatariof

At the opening ceremony of the 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers, Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Michail Loverdos, spoke to The Greek Herald.

He confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country in recent years.

The Deputy Minister spoke about the cities he plans to visit, as well as the key issues he hopes to see resolved before his arrival – including double taxation, the passport backlog, and the land registry.

He emphasised that it is both his intention and priority to resolve these long-standing matters and expressed hope that by the time of his visit, he will have positive outcomes to report.

What are your feelings about your upcoming visit to Australia this October?

It brings me great joy, great honour, and above all, deep emotion. I must confess that I feel very bad that it has been so many years since we’ve made an official visit to Australia. That was a mistake – one that will be corrected.

The directive I have received from the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is to build strong bridges with Greeks wherever they may be.

The Greeks of Australia are the most dynamic community of the Greek diaspora. We want you to know that we stand with you and we love you.

I will express this love through my own presence throughout Australia this coming October. I intend to visit Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and even Hobart in Tasmania – because Hellenism is everywhere.

What are the issues you will be addressing during your visit to Australia?

I am aware that there are many complaints regarding consular matters, especially passports. This is one of the issues we are working hard to resolve. I also know that double taxation is a major issue. This is another area where I hope we can soon share more positive news. Also, all the issues that concern the diaspora, I am aware that there are also problems with the Land Registry (Ktimatologio) in Greece.

These are issues that I hope I will be able to respond to during my visit to Australia in October. I truly hope we succeed. That is my intention.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

The Greek Herald
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‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

By Panagiotis Dalatariof

Ange Postecoglou, the trailblazing Greek Australian football manager and the first Greek to lift a UEFA trophy in men’s football, returned to his roots this month as the special guest at the draw for the Stoiximan Super League in Athens.

Fresh from a historic Europa League victory with Tottenham Hotspur, Postecoglou reflected on his philosophy, his cultural heritage, and the growing momentum behind Greek football under national team coach Ivan Jovanović.

“For me, it’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life,” Postecoglou said. “Growing up, I was very lucky. So many good things happened, and I try to pass on that advice to all the players I work with.”

Though his name has been linked in recent months with a potential move to AEK Athens – the club his late father passionately supported – Postecoglou played down speculation, instead focusing on staying present and continuing his journey.

“Look, I don’t plan the future myself,” he said. “I think when you’re a coach or a manager, the key is to continue doing your job, to be as successful as you can, and to see what opportunities come along. But I always follow Greek football and my team very closely.”

ange postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou was special guest at the draw for the Stoiximan Super League in Athens.

Watching Greek football from afar

Postecoglou’s connection to Greece runs deep. Born in Athens and raised in Melbourne after emigrating at the age of five, his Greek identity remains central to his personal and professional story.

He spoke warmly of his admiration for the Greek national team, currently led by Jovanović, and its promising future.

“As I said, I don’t make plans for the future,” Postecoglou reiterated. “Jovanović is doing an excellent job. I think we’re entering a golden era for Greek football with all the talent coming through. I wish him the very best in taking the national team to the level it deserves. I’ll always be watching.”

A proud Greek on the world stage

During the draw ceremony, Olympiacos and Super League president Vangelis Marinakis praised Postecoglou’s achievements and the pride he brings to Greece.

“Ange has spoken many times about Greece. He’s proud to be Greek, and after his big success winning the Europa League with Tottenham, he spoke about Greece again,” Marinakis said.

“It’s important not just to avoid hiding your heritage, but to shout it out and be proud of it. What he achieved, he did with a club that hadn’t won titles in years. It was a huge success and put Greece on the map. We should all thank him.”

ange postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou (left) with The Greek Herald journalist Panagiotis Dalatariof.

A journey guided by legacy

Postecoglou’s appearance at the Super League draw was more than symbolic. In a heartfelt message, he paid tribute to Greek football legends who inspired his journey: Papaioannou, Delikaris and Mavros -names his father taught him as a child.

“It’s a great honour to be here,” he said. “I left Greece when I was five years old. My father passed on his love for football to me – he was an AEK fan. He taught me about Mavros, Papaioannou, Delikaris. I always dreamed of reaching the top level. As a player, I realised early on I couldn’t do it – so I tried as a coach to get there and make my parents proud.”

With emotion, he acknowledged his father’s absence.

“My father is no longer with us, but I know he’s watching. I have my children and my wife with me. I’m not done yet. I hope to make Greece and Australia proud,” he said.

Heritage NSW inspects Paragon Café as emergency works get underway

Andriana Simos
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Heritage NSW inspects Paragon Café as emergency works get underway

The iconic Paragon Café in Katoomba has taken its first meaningful steps toward preservation following a recent on-site inspection by Heritage NSW, which confirmed that emergency works to secure the property are now in progress.

Officials from Heritage NSW visited the site on Monday, June 30, accompanied by the building’s owner, his project manager, and staff from Blue Mountains City Council.

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water told The Greek Herald that “most actions in the Order had been met, with any outstanding actions to be met by the end of July.”

They added that “physical works have commenced to bring the property within the required standards of maintenance and repair,” while key security upgrades are now complete, protecting the site from trespassing and vandalism.

The inspection follows a formal compliance order issued in early June under Section 120 of the Heritage Act 1977, which required urgent steps to halt the café’s deterioration. The directive gave property owner John Landerer 14 days to secure the building and two months to submit a comprehensive heritage report.

Built in 1916 by Greek migrant Jack (Zacharias) Theodore Simos, the Paragon Café is one of Australia’s most significant examples of Greek heritage architecture, but it has remained closed and in disrepair since 2018. Despite a development application approved in 2020, the site has since become a target for graffiti, vandalism and squatting.

paragon cafe

Photos shared earlier this year by the Friends of the Paragon group revealed shattered windows, broken fixtures, and evidence of drug use inside the historic art deco venue.

Since the June order, works have progressed steadily. The building’s presentation has visibly improved, security systems have been installed, and urgent make-safe works have addressed ongoing rainwater damage.

Heritage NSW says it will “continue to work closely with the owner, Blue Mountains City Council and the Heritage Council of NSW as works progress.” The agency also maintains a regular inspection program to monitor the property’s condition and ensure compliance.

While full restoration is still a long way off, the recent inspection and repairs signal a turning point for the Paragon Café – a treasured landmark of Greek Australian history and the Blue Mountains’ cultural identity.

Māori-Greek artist’s tribute to ancestors lights up Manhattan billboard

The Greek Herald
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Māori-Greek artist’s tribute to ancestors lights up Manhattan billboard

Māori-Greek artist Jimmy James Kouratoras has made a striking return to New York, with his painting Hei Tiki – For the Love of Our Ancestors featured on a 10-metre digital billboard in Manhattan’s Theatre District.

The work, part of the Sacred Origins exhibition at Jutta Gallery, honours his Māori and Cretan Greek whakapapa.

“It was like sending a message from the ancestors straight into the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities,” Kouratoras told RNZ.

The Waikato-Tainui and Cretan artist, self-taught and spiritually guided in his practice, has also been named a finalist in this year’s National Contemporary Art Award in New Zealand.

His solo show Matariki Sacred Waters – Where Land Meets the Sky is currently on display at Franklin Arts Centre.

Extraordinary Australians wanted for nation’s highest award

The Greek Herald
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Extraordinary Australians wanted for nation’s highest award

We see them and hear about them every day – unsung community heroes, inspiring achievers, lifechanging mentors: extraordinary Australians we think should be recognised for their contributions.

Now is the time to give recognition by nominating who you think should be considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

Did you know a person can only be considered for an Australian of the Year Award if a member of the public submits a nomination on their behalf?

Your single nomination could see them join 128 state and territory selected representatives and, ultimately, be honoured in one of four categories:

  • Australian of the Year
  • Senior Australian of the Year (65+)
  • Young Australian of the Year (16-30)
  • Australia’s Local Hero

Have your say before it’s too late. Nominations close at midnight AEST Thursday 31 July 2025 – it’s easy to submit a nomination at australianoftheyear.org.au.

Nominations process graphic

It’s easy to nominate:

  • One nomination is enough – the Awards are judged on merit so multiple submissions are not required
  • You don’t need to know them personally – simply outline what they do or how they’ve contributed
  • No permission needed – nominate first, the Awards program will handle the rest
  • Stay anonymous if you prefer – the Awards program respects a nominator’s preference for privacy

Give extraordinary Australians the recognition they deserve – nominate today at australianoftheyear.org.au.

European Parliament backs resolution to protect Christian minorities in Syria

The Greek Herald
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European Parliament backs resolution to protect Christian minorities in Syria

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution by overwhelming majority calling for the protection of Christian minorities in Syria, following the terrorist attack on the Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus on June 22, which killed 25 people and injured dozens more.

According to Orthodox Times, the resolution strongly condemns all acts of violence against religious and ethnic communities, stressing the heightened vulnerability of Christian groups in Syria and their significant contribution to the region’s cultural and religious heritage.

Parliament expressed particular concern over the role of members of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria’s transitional authorities, warning of their negative influence on religious freedom and regional stability.

european_parliament
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution by overwhelming majority calling for the protection of Christian minorities in Syria.

The resolution calls on Syrian authorities to conduct an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the church attack and other incidents of religious violence, while ensuring the protection of all communities regardless of faith.

MEPs reaffirmed their support for a political transition in Syria based on human rights, urging the implementation of transitional justice mechanisms, the end of impunity, constitutional guarantees for minority representation, and free and fair elections.

The Parliament also called on the European Union to establish a reconstruction fund for Syria, conditional on demonstrable progress in these areas, while maintaining sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for violations of religious freedom. Continued efforts to combat Islamist terrorism were also urged.

Source: Orthodox Times

Konstantinos Argiros delivers emotional first-ever performance in Constantinople

The Greek Herald
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Konstantinos Argiros delivers emotional first-ever performance in Constantinople

One of Greece’s top pop stars, Konstantinos Argiros, performed in Turkey for the first time on July 10, delivering a sold-out concert at the iconic Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre in Constantinople.

The event marked the 150th anniversary of the historic Private Greek Zapyon School, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the school’s cultural and educational work.

Speaking ahead of the performance to local media, Argiros shared his surprise and delight at the overwhelming interest from Turkish audiences: “I knew I had friends here, but I didn’t realise I had so many. I’m very happy to be performing in Turkey for the first time.”

The concert was filled with raw emotion, with a standout moment during his performance of Athina Mou, as the audience erupted into cheers, stood up, and waved handkerchiefs in unison.

Argiros, visibly moved, paused to thank the crowd for their unwavering support – a gesture that resonated deeply with those in attendance and earned him a heartfelt standing ovation. He later shared a video of the moment on Instagram.

Argiros performed a high-energy set featuring hits like Eleftheros, Elpida, and S’ Agapao Giati, with the audience dancing and singing throughout.

Reflecting on the power of music to transcend borders, Argiros said: “Music always unites people, and because I embrace that idea, I’m here today performing…”

Among the audience were His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Turkish-Cypriot pop star Ziynet Sali, actress Nilgün Belgün, and performer Fadik Sevin Atasoy.

Source: Turkiye Today

Survivors pulled from Red Sea two days after Houthi strike on Greek cargo vessel

The Greek Herald
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Survivors pulled from Red Sea two days after Houthi strike on Greek cargo vessel

Four more survivors from the Greek-operated cargo ship Eternity C have been rescued from the Red Sea nearly 48 hours after the vessel was sunk by Yemen’s Houthi militants.

The four – three crew members and one Greek security guard – were found alive, bringing the total number of survivors to 10.

Rescuers say the search continues for at least 10 others still missing, with concerns that some may have been captured by the Houthis.

The Eternity C, which was carrying grain for the UN World Food Programme, was struck by sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades fired from Houthi speedboats earlier this week. It was the second Greek-operated ship to be sunk in recent days, following a period of relative calm in the region.

magic seas
Magic Seas was the first Greek cargo vessel hit earlier this week. Photo: vesselfinder.com.

The attacks mark a resurgence of the Houthis’ Red Sea campaign, launched in late 2023 in what the group claims is support for Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war.

The Eternity C’s operator, Cosmoship Management, confirmed one person is believed dead and another four are missing. The company is working with authorities and nearby vessels to aid in the search and verify Houthi claims of having detained some of the crew.

US officials have condemned the incident, accusing the Houthis of kidnapping, while maritime authorities reported a sharp decline in commercial shipping activity through the Red Sea. Insurance costs have also surged as underwriters withdraw cover for vessels transiting the volatile region.

The Houthis released video footage of the attack, showing the ship taking on water as rebels chanted slogans including “death to America.” They later claimed in a televised statement to have rescued some crew members and taken them to safety.

The rebels’ leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, reiterated that any vessels linked to Israel or its allies remain banned from using Red Sea shipping lanes. The Eternity C and Magic Seas, both Liberian-flagged and Greek-operated, are believed to have had indirect links to Israeli ports.

The number of vessels passing through the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait has dropped significantly since the attacks, amid mounting fears of escalation and further disruption to global trade.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

Migration Minister defends asylum suspension as necessary to protect Greece’s borders

The Greek Herald
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Migration Minister defends asylum suspension as necessary to protect Greece’s borders

Greece’s Migration Minister, Thanos Plevris, has defended a contentious amendment which would temporarily suspend asylum applications for individuals arriving illegally by sea from North Africa.

The measure, expected to pass through Parliament on Friday, proposes a three-month halt to processing claims and allows swift deportations without prior identification.

“The message we are sending is clear: stay where you are. You are not welcome here, you are not entitled to international protection, and you will not blackmail Greece,” Plevris declared in Parliament.

He went on to describe the surge in arrivals as an “invasion of Europe,” referencing reports of a Libyan plan involving the movement of up to three million migrants.

“From now on, for those entering illegally, the path is either prison or departure,” he said.

The legislation follows a spike in migrant landings on the southern Greek islands of Crete and Gavdos. Talks with Libya’s eastern administration aimed at curbing departures were recently abandoned.

Human rights groups such as the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have strongly criticised the plan as breaching both international and European law.

While the Greek government insists the law complies with EU rules and is a deterrent, critics argue it undermines Greece’s long-standing commitment to protecting those fleeing war and persecution.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis rejected accusations of illegality, and Prime Minister Mitsotakis has since held talks with European leaders on a coordinated migration response.

Source: Ekathimerini

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