In the bustling heart of Athens, Nikos Chatzilias has found a unique way to reconnect with nature: urban beekeeping. Amidst the city’s rooftops, Chatzilias tends to 30 buzzing hives, producing 500 kilograms of honey annually. This honey, infused with the flavors of local flora like eucalyptus, acacia, and bitter orange, offers a taste of Athens’ diverse neighborhoods. For Chatzilias, 37, beekeeping began as a personal quest for quality honey but quickly evolved into a passion that brought joy and environmental purpose. Inspired by his journey, others like Aggelina Chatzistavrou have joined the movement, envisioning a greener urban future. Despite challenges, including resident concerns about safety, Athens’ year-round bloom cycles make it an ideal setting for this sustainable practice. Chatzilias’ experiment with leaving hives on rooftops year-round underscores nature’s resilience, even in the chaos of urban life.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Munich airport closes after drones spotted nearby
Munich Airport faced significant disruptions as unidentified drones were spotted near its airspace, leading to the cancellation of at least 17 flights and impacting nearly 3,000 passengers. The airport authorities swiftly diverted an additional 15 flights to nearby cities such as Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt. The Federal Police spokesperson, Stefan Bayer, informed the Bild Newspaper that due to the darkness, details about the drones’ type, size, or origins remain unclear. The drones were first detected at 21:30 local time (19:30 GMT) and reappeared an hour later, prompting the airport to suspend all outgoing flights. This incident adds to a series of drone-related disruptions across Europe, including recent closures of Copenhagen and Oslo airports. Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a summit in Sochi, humorously dismissed allegations of Russian involvement in the Danish drone incidents, stating, ‘I won’t do it again – not to France or Denmark or Copenhagen.’ Meanwhile, stranded passengers at Munich Airport were provided with camp beds, blankets, drinks, and snacks overnight. The disruptions coincide with Munich’s annual Oktoberfest, which attracts over six million visitors and is set to conclude on October 5.
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Captain of tanker linked to Russian ‘shadow fleet’ charged in France
French authorities have charged the Chinese captain of the oil tanker Boracay, suspected to be part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ used to circumvent international sanctions. The captain faces charges for refusing to comply with instructions from the French navy and is scheduled to appear in court in Brest next February. The Boracay, which departed Russia last month, was intercepted off the coast of Denmark following a series of drone incidents that temporarily shut down several airports. Earlier this week, French soldiers boarded the vessel, which is on the EU’s sanctions list for transporting Russian oil. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the action as ‘piracy,’ while the Kremlin denied any connection to the ship. The Boracay, currently registered in Benin, has undergone multiple name and flag changes in recent years, allegedly to evade sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The French prosecutor noted that the captain failed to provide a coherent explanation regarding the ship’s flag. Both the captain and the second captain, also Chinese nationals, were detained for investigation but only the captain was charged. The Boracay is now anchored near Saint-Nazaire. Under international maritime law, naval forces can stop vessels suspected of lacking nationality. Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russian energy, prompting Moscow to develop a ‘shadow fleet’ of tankers registered in other countries to obscure ownership and movements. French President Emmanuel Macron estimates this fleet comprises 600 to 1,000 ships. The Boracay was previously detained by Estonian authorities for sailing without a valid flag. It departed Primorsk, Russia, on September 20, traversing the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and English Channel en route to Vadinar, India. The incident coincides with unresolved drone incursions into Danish airspace, though Danish authorities found no evidence of Russian involvement. Similar violations have been reported in Poland, Estonia, and Romania, with Moscow denying responsibility.
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Four ill with sepsis after food poisoning outbreak at Stockholm restaurant
A suspected listeria outbreak linked to Coco & Carmen, a high-end restaurant in Stockholm’s Östermalm district, has resulted in multiple hospitalizations and widespread concern. Health authorities report that at least 15 individuals have been treated or are under observation, with four diagnosed with sepsis—a severe immune system reaction that can be life-threatening. While most of the affected individuals are not seriously ill, none have required intensive care so far. The outbreak has prompted an extensive infection tracing effort, initially focusing on diners from September 25 to 27 but later expanded to include those who visited the restaurant on September 23 and 24. Maria Rotzén Östlund, an infectious disease physician, advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea to seek immediate medical attention. Regional health officials have warned that a significant number of people may have been exposed, particularly vulnerable groups like pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. According to state broadcaster SVT, 80 people have reported food poisoning through a city tracking tool, and 400 have been contacted for infection tracing. Coco & Carmen has voluntarily closed its doors pending an investigation, emphasizing its commitment to guest safety and cooperation with authorities. The restaurant, which has a history of passing food safety inspections, hopes to reopen on October 7. Chef and co-owner Joakim Almquist expressed deep remorse, stating, ‘The only thing I can do is sincerely apologize, because I suffer with these people.’ Listeria, a bacterium found in soil, water, and animals, can contaminate food, especially when stored in cold conditions for extended periods. While most infections cause mild, flu-like symptoms, severe cases can lead to meningitis or sepsis, with an incubation period ranging from several days to three weeks.
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Benidorm cracks down on display of ‘offensive’ items in shop windows
The Spanish tourist hotspot of Benidorm is intensifying efforts to regulate shops displaying lewd or offensive items in their windows, aiming to protect the city’s reputation and ensure public decorum. The initiative targets products such as joke t-shirts and souvenirs with sexual innuendos, often found in the area known as the ‘Guiri zone,’ which caters primarily to foreign tourists. Many of these items are advertised in English, reflecting the significant British visitor demographic. Javier Jordá, the city’s commerce head, emphasized the need to shield minors and vulnerable groups from inappropriate public displays, stating that certain commercial practices conflict with local regulations. Benidorm, a renowned Mediterranean resort, attracted nearly three million visitors last year, including over 830,000 British tourists. Local laws prohibit shop windows from displaying products that could offend moral sensibilities, such as ‘sexy articles,’ though items sold inside shops remain unaffected. Authorities are initially reminding shop owners to comply voluntarily, with potential fines of up to €3,000 for non-compliance. Jordá expressed hope that enforcement measures would not be necessary, stressing the importance of maintaining the city’s image. Spain welcomed a record 94 million foreign visitors last year, with Mediterranean resorts like Benidorm remaining top destinations. However, the country is increasingly shifting away from its traditional sun-and-sand tourism model amid concerns about over-tourism and local protests.
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Dublin airport rail link given the go-ahead
Ireland’s planning board, An Coimisiún Pleanála, has officially approved the ambitious MetroLink project, a groundbreaking transport initiative set to connect Dublin city centre to its airport. Scheduled to commence operations by the early 2030s, the €9.5 billion (£8.16 billion) project will span 19.4 kilometers, featuring 16 predominantly underground stations. The MetroLink aims to seamlessly link the north and south sides of Dublin, with trains operating every three minutes during peak hours, capable of transporting up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Irish Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, hailed the decision as a transformative milestone for North Dublin, the city, and the airport, emphasizing its potential to drive growth, create jobs, and support housing development. The MetroLink route will extend from Swords in the north to Charlemont Street in the south, integrating with existing DART and Luas transport systems. Ryan expressed confidence in delivering the project on time and within budget, noting that the €9.5 billion cost estimate was ‘excessively cautious and conservative.’ Dublin Airport’s operator, DAA, praised the MetroLink as a ‘key element’ in the airport’s expansion beyond 40 million passengers annually, highlighting its role in bolstering tourism, foreign investment, trade, and job creation. While the project has received planning approval, it awaits final Cabinet endorsement before construction can begin. The construction phase is expected to span several years, with the ultimate costs yet to be determined.
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Relief and new baby for asylum family of child suffocated in Channel crossing
The Alhashemi family’s story is one of resilience, loss, and eventual hope. For 15 years, this Iraqi family has navigated the harsh realities of life as asylum seekers in Europe, enduring legal limbo, deportation threats, and unimaginable grief. Their journey took a tragic turn in April 2024 when their seven-year-old daughter, Sara, died during a perilous attempt to cross the English Channel in a small boat. This devastating event marked a low point in their struggle for safety and stability. However, a year later, a life-changing email from a French refugee agency brought a glimmer of hope, granting them provisional asylum and a chance to rebuild their lives in France. Ahmed and Nour Alhashemi, who fled Iraq due to threats linked to Saddam Hussein’s regime, met in Belgium and raised three children while battling bureaucratic hurdles and constant uncertainty. After Sara’s death, the family applied for asylum in France, where they faced further challenges but eventually secured housing and support. In July 2025, they received official permission to stay in France for four years, with the possibility of permanent residency. The family’s newfound stability was further brightened by the birth of their baby girl, Sally, named in memory of Sara. Ahmed, a tiler, now dreams of starting his own business, while Nour envisions opening a bakery. Their eldest daughter, Rahaf, reflects on the security she feels for the first time in her life. Despite past criticism for their choices, the Alhashemis have finally found a safe place to call home, offering a poignant reminder of the resilience of refugees and the importance of compassion in immigration systems.
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Billionaire populist eyes power in Czech vote but may need help from extremes
As Czech voters prepare to cast their ballots this weekend, the nation stands at a political crossroads. Populist billionaire Andrej Babis, leader of the ANO party, is poised to lead the next government, potentially replacing the current pro-Western coalition. However, his path to power may require alliances with fringe parties, raising concerns about the country’s future direction. Babis, a former prime minister, has sought to distance himself from accusations of pro-Russian sentiment, vowing to maintain Czechia’s alignment with the West. Yet, his potential coalition partners—ultra-nationalist and anti-EU factions—pose significant challenges to the nation’s longstanding commitments to NATO and European integration. The election comes amid heightened fears of Russian interference and a deteriorating security situation in Europe. Babis, inspired by the US MAGA movement, has adopted red caps emblazoned with ‘Strong Czechia,’ symbolizing his populist appeal. While he has ruled out forming a coalition with Communists, his potential allies advocate for radical policies, including referendums on EU and NATO membership. Critics warn that an ANO-led government could mirror the illiberal trajectories of Slovakia and Hungary, undermining Czechia’s democratic values and Western alliances. As the nation grapples with these uncertainties, the election’s outcome will have far-reaching implications for its role in Europe and beyond.
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Surge in Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries sparks Russian fuel shortages
Ukraine has significantly intensified its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries in recent months, leading to widespread fuel shortages and price hikes across parts of Russia, according to investigations by BBC Verify and BBC Russian. Since January, 21 of Russia’s 38 major refineries—facilities crucial for converting crude oil into petrol and diesel—have been targeted, marking a 48% increase in successful strikes compared to the entirety of 2024. The surge in attacks, particularly in August and September, has disrupted operations at key refineries, including those deep within Russian territory, such as the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat refinery in Bashkortostan, over 1,100 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. Satellite imagery confirmed significant damage, with smoke billowing from the facility post-attack. The strikes have not only impacted civilian fuel supplies but also targeted refineries near the border that support military logistics. Verified footage shows long queues at petrol stations, with some independent stations in Siberia suspending operations to avoid losses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the strategic importance of these strikes, stating that damaging Russia’s oil industry is a key tactic to force Moscow to negotiate. While the Kremlin insists the situation is under control, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak extended a partial ban on petrol exports until the end of 2025, a move critics argue is insufficient to stabilize the domestic market. Analysts suggest that while the strikes alone may not cripple Russia’s war efforts, they are increasing the economic strain of the prolonged conflict.
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Irish citizens on intercepted Gaza flotilla boats
The Israeli navy has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission comprising 44 vessels carrying aid to Gaza, detaining at least six Irish citizens among the participants. The flotilla, which included prominent Irish figures such as Senator Chris Andrews and activists Tara O’Grady and Louise Heaney, was reportedly 70 nautical miles from Gaza’s shoreline when the intervention occurred. Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that the vessels were “safely stopped” and redirected to an Israeli port, citing their proximity to an “active combat zone.” The GSF condemned the interception as “illegal” and “a brazen act of desperation,” emphasizing the mission’s peaceful intent to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Livestream footage from the Alma vessel, carrying Belfast man Fra Hughes, showed crew members awaiting the inevitable boarding by Israeli forces. The Irish government, including Tánaiste Simon Harris and President Michael D Higgins, expressed deep concern, urging Israel to uphold international law and ensure the safety of all participants. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald called for immediate action, describing the situation as a “moment of huge danger.” While Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin acknowledged the mission’s humanitarian purpose, he cautioned against further progress toward Gaza, citing safety risks. The incident has reignited debates over international law and the blockade of Gaza, with Higgins questioning the global commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state amid such actions.