The government is hailing the signing of the three contracts for hydrocarbon exploration in Ioannina, the Gulf of Patras, and Katakolo, that will take place in the presence of PM Antonis Samaras and government VP Evangelos Venizelos.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed National Bank of Greece S.A. (NBG), Piraeus Bank, S.A. (Piraeus), Alpha Bank AE (Alpha) and Eurobank Ergasias S.A.'s (Eurobank) Long-term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'B-' with Stable Outlooks, Short-term IDRs at 'B', and Viability Ratings (VRs) at 'b-'. Fitch has also affirmed the banks' Support Ratings (SR) at '5' and Support Rating Floors (SRF) at 'No Floor'.

The construction of a third seaplane landing strip and accompanying facilities is foreseen by plans of Hellenic Seaplanes, which is also participating in bids for other landing sites.