Greece: A city embraces smart technology

Greece's new high-security refugee center on the island of Samos promises improved living conditions for asylum-seekers. But human rights organizations have reacted with dismay to a facility that so closely resembles a prison.

A migrant boat carrying 80 people capsized off the coast of the island of Paros, leaving at least 16 dead. It is the third shipwreck this week involving migrants in Greek waters.

A mayor in Greece is using smart technology to make his city future-proof. Electric vehicles and an e-complaint system are part of Trikala's innovation strategy, but the Greek government is interfering with the plans.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees slammed not only Greece but all European governments, saying the "deplorable" and illegal acts towards asylum seekers were being "normalized."

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees have entered Greece, where they enjoy international protection. For non-Ukrainian refugees, however, the situation remains tense and frustrating.

Europe continues to struggle with a heat wave, though some have seen a respite from record high temperatures for the time of year. One of several wildfires has raged out of control on Greece's second-largest island.

The plane had reportedly requested clearance for an emergency landing at nearby Kavala airport but did not manage to reach it. Serbia's defense minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said all eight crew members had died.

Greece is battling three major wildfires and evacuating thousands amid a heat wave. Rising temperatures in Spain bring fears of more blazes throughout the country

Greece and Turkey have been at loggerheads for decades over the eastern Aegean islands. During a visit to Athens, Germany's foreign minister said the "islands are Greek territory," drawing a strong rebuke from Turkey.

The head of the Greek intelligence service has stepped down during a scandal after a reported attempt to spy on an opposition politician. The resignation came amid swirling accusations about the use of Predator software.

The EU will no longer monitor Greek state finances, ending a policy that lasted for 12 years. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotaki calls it a "historic day for Greece and all Greeks."

FRANCE 24's Europe team brings you a new series of Europe Now programmes, focusing on "levelling up" – efforts aimed at making life more equal across Europe's many and diverse regions