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Received today — 31 October 2026 ⏭ The Guardian - Europe

‘The last fortress’: historic Athens cafe closes as countercultural area gentrifies

31 October 2026 at 08:00

Mouria coffeehouse unable to renew lease in Exarchia, known for leftwing solidarity, resistance and radicalism

It has been the hangout of writers, artists, poets and politicians, doctors and lawyers, radicals and revolutionaries for as long as anyone can remember. And for 44 years, Christos Vanas, the proprietor of Mouria, has let them all in.

Every day at 7am, the taciturn former waiter has been the first man to step inside the historic cafe in Exarchia, the heart of leftwing Athens. It is a ritual he has kept punctiliously, opening up the famous gathering place before he himself has had his first coffee.

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© Photograph: Panagiotis Moschandreou/The Guardian

© Photograph: Panagiotis Moschandreou/The Guardian

© Photograph: Panagiotis Moschandreou/The Guardian

Received — 19 October 2026 ⏭ The Guardian - Europe

Albania accused of rushing through Trump-linked resort in formerly protected landscape

19 October 2026 at 14:53

Dutch MEP says government is trying to avoid EU environmental rules as protests over luxury development turn violent

MEPs have accused Albania of deploying “sneaky” practices to fast-track a proposed Trump-linked luxury resort in the country amid protests that have turned increasingly violent.

As the prime minister, Edi Rama, pledged to “listen to the voices of young people” taking to the streets, there was mounting criticism of his failure to address demonstrators who had long opposed the controversial project peacefully.

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© Photograph: Adnan Beci/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Adnan Beci/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Adnan Beci/AFP/Getty Images

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