Jewels on the Greek Crown: Koufonisia

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)  Koufonisia is a cluster of two islands, Kato (Lower) and Pano (Upper) Koufonisi that belongs to the complex of Small Cyclades.  Geographically, it is located on the southeast side of Naxos and on the west side of Amorgos.  Koufonisia also include the tiny, uninhabited island of Keros, which is a protected archaeological site from which a good number of ancient Cycladic art has been excavated in the 20th century.  The main occupation of the locals is fishing, so Koufonisi is a true fish village where visitors may eat fish and seafood in abundance.  It has one of the biggest fishing fleets in Greece. Its heavenly beaches – mostly sandy – are part of the magic of this picturesque island.

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EU – Greece: Fund Influx for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)        The European Commission has a set of measures to help finance innovative and growing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  On January 20, the European Commission and the Greek Foreign Ministry’s Special Secretariat for the Development of International Programmes held the “EU Finance Day for SMEs” in Athens on January 20. Addressing the event attended by more than 500 participants, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stressed that “Access to finance is a crucial issue for Greek SMEs. In times of recession, we see new opportunities and are obliged to back innovation and entrepreneurship.” 
INFORMATION ON THE CONFERENCE
Speakers’ powerpoint presentations can be found at the Special Secretariat’s website; European Commission-Entreprise & Industry: About EU Finance Day for SMEs 
INFORMATION ON FUNDING
Ministry of Economy and Finance: SMEs NSRF funding & SMEs funding through the Credit Guarantee Fund for Small and Very Small Enterprises (TEMPME SA); Greek News Agenda: Stimulus for SMEs  European Commission- Enterprise & Industry: European Portal for SMEs; Europe’s Information Society: Competitiveness & Innovation Framework Programme; European Investment Bank: European Investment Fund

Greek Government Support Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   The government is determined to offer financial support to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid the international financial crisis, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis said on Monday. Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the premier stressed that the EU is experiencing a recession and noted that the crisis is hitting consumption, production and commerce, while unemployment is on the rise. The Greek economy is still resisting pressures from an international crisis but 2009 would be a difficult year for all, the premier said, adding that the government’s aim is to limit the impact and to safeguard benefits gained in the previous years. He emphasised that the government is transferring funds from the Fourth Community Support Framework to SMEs, while it is introducing new measures to boost entrepreneurship among young people, and women.  Ministry of Economy and Finance: National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013; Secretariat General for Information: About Brand Greece- Competitiveness & Entrepreneurship ; Greek News Agenda: Gov’t Reforms Push On & Stimulus for SMEs 

Greek Prime Minister Confers with State Leadership

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)  Following further acts of vandalism by small groups, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis met  with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias early morning yesterday, and briefed him on the latest upheaval triggered by the loss of the 15 year-old pupil. Following their meeting, the premier held  successive meetings with all leaders of the opposition parties who vehemently condemned the acts of violence perpetrated in the echo of the events. Yesterday, Minister of Interior Pavlopoulos clarified that there is no need for emergency measures to be taken and that law enforcement is being carried out through standard procedure. He further stressed that the government will not tolerate the manipulation of the lost adolescent’s memory and its use as an excuse for delinquency.  Secretary General of Information, Panos Livadas was invited yesterday to participate in BBC World Radio’s Newshour, during which, he reiterated the Prime Minister’s commitment on behalf of the government to indemnify the people whose property was destroyed or damaged. He further stressed that the government is determined to safeguard the right to freedom of expression in a peaceful way, without allowing minorities to infiltrate, creating violent unrest. 

Magic Greek Small Islands

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   Koufonisia is a cluster of two islands, Kato (Lower) and Pano (Upper) Koufonisi that belongs to the complex of Small Cyclades. Geographically, it is located on the southeast side of Naxos and on the west side of Amorgos. Koufonisia also include the tiny, uninhabited island of Keros, which is a protected archaeological site from which a good number of ancient Cycladic art has been excavated in the 20th century.  The main occupation of the locals is fishing, so Koufonisi is a true fish village where visitors may eat fish and seafood in abundance. It has one of the biggest fishing fleets in Greece. Its heavenly beaches – mostly sandy – are part of the magic of this picturesque island.