Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced an additional reduction in diesel fuel prices for August — an extra 10 cents per liter — against the backdrop of the ongoing inflationary crisis and escalating hostilities in the Middle East, through his Sunday post.
“A reduction of 10 cents on gasoline prices and 5 cents on diesel prices is already in effect, funded by the refineries. In addition, we have decided that the state will cover a further reduction on diesel fuel for the entire month of August — an additional 10 cents per liter — bringing the total discount to 15 cents. This is a targeted intervention worth €30 million, aimed not only at supporting professionals and the transport sector, but also at curbing price increases that ripple through the entire supply chain,” he stated. He also underscored that the government will continue to intervene in support of society.
Beyond developments in the Middle East and their economic repercussions, the Prime Minister offered an extensive review of the government’s actions over the past week, highlighting the completion of the E65 motorway, the new National Development Programme worth €23 billion, measures to address international energy disruptions, as well as recent legislative initiatives covering survivor pensions, housing, higher education, public transport, and national defense.
Mitsotakis’ full post
If there is a real credibility test for a government, it is, without a doubt, its ability to turn commitments into tangible results that genuinely improve people’s everyday lives. And that is precisely what the handover of the Kalambaka–Grevena section of the E65 motorway represents — something we delivered this week. We are talking about a 182-kilometer road corridor that broke ground nearly 20 years ago, weathered countless setbacks, stalled during the years of the economic crisis, and was ultimately completed thanks to our persistent efforts to secure its inclusion in the Recovery Fund. The E65 now effectively connects southern and northern Greece, integrates into the Trans-European Transport Networks by linking the Thessaloniki–Evzoni motorway with the Egnatia Odos, and dramatically reduces travel times to Thessaly, Western Macedonia, and Epirus. I am genuinely proud that this landmark project is now being delivered to the public — joining the completed Patra–Pyrgos motorway and the VOAK, which is on track for completion.
Projects like the E65 demonstrate in practice just how much the Recovery Fund resources have benefited us. But the real question is: what comes next? The answer is the new National Development Programme — with a total budget of €23 billion, drawn exclusively from national resources — which will serve as the country’s primary development tool for the next five-year period, 2026–2030, complementing the EU funds we are pursuing for the 2028–2034 programming period. Our goal is for these resources to make a real difference in every corner of Greece, funding critical needs — from roads, schools, and hospitals, to water supply projects, digital services, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, housing, and demographic policy. This is our commitment that the effort to build a better everyday life does not end with the completion of the Recovery Fund.
We know, however, that daily life is frequently threatened by external shocks. Developments in the Middle East are unfortunately becoming increasingly alarming following the new escalation of hostilities and the collapse of the ceasefire between the US and Iran. No one can predict today where this crisis may lead, or what its impact on international energy prices — and ultimately on the cost of living — will be. Our country cannot influence what happens beyond its borders. We are, however, doing everything we can to limit the consequences for our citizens. A reduction of 10 cents on gasoline prices and 5 cents on diesel prices is already in effect, funded by the refineries. In addition, we have decided that the state will cover a further reduction on diesel fuel for the entire month of August — an additional 10 cents per liter — bringing the total discount to 15 cents. This is a targeted intervention worth €30 million, aimed not only at supporting professionals and the transport sector, but also at curbing price increases that ripple through the entire supply chain. Rest assured that, to the extent our economy allows, we are supporting — and will continue to support — society against every external challenge, not with empty promises, but with action.
Let me now turn to a series of significant interventions for everyday life and social protection that were passed in Parliament this week. First and foremost, we have now officially corrected a longstanding injustice in survivor pensions by abolishing the cuts introduced under the Tsipras–Katroungalos law. As a result, 8,500 pensioners will see their pension double; 75,000 pensioners will continue to receive 70% of their entitlement and will owe nothing to the social security fund (EFKA); the 122,000 pensioners receiving two national pensions will no longer face a reduction on one of them, and any outstanding debts accrued will be written off; while children who have lost both parents will now receive the full national pension. At the same time, as I had previously announced, we are introducing — for the first time — clear regulations on electric scooters to protect young people on our roads: banning their use by individuals under 17, mandating insurance coverage, imposing stricter fines, and establishing an electronic registry for effective enforcement. Finally, four permanent policies for people with disabilities are now enshrined in law: the Personal Assistant scheme, Early Childhood Intervention for all children, structured education for individuals with visual impairments, and a new Home Accessibility programme — backed by a guaranteed €85 million per year. Alongside these, we also passed four significant housing measures, creating 2,000 social housing units in decommissioned military barracks, expanding the Demographic Development Programme, and introducing tax incentives for social housing and Supported Living facilities.
On the housing front, the National Strategy for Affordable Housing was also approved this week. This is our roadmap for the next decade — comprising 50 measures and more than €6.5 billion — targeting the construction or renovation of nearly 20,000 homes and over 8,500 student residences. I should also note that 36 of the 50 measures are already included on the digital housing policy portal stegasi.gov.gr, while the remaining 14 represent newly proposed initiatives. Our goal is to bring more properties onto the market, keep rents in check, and provide genuine financial relief for young people and the most vulnerable members of our society.
Also in the same spirit of tangible support for families, applications have opened for childcare vouchers at nurseries and after-school care centres (until 5 August at www.eetaa.gr). We are increasing the available funding to €393.5 million, up from €270 million in 2019, and this year’s major innovation is that all children from large families will be enrolled in nurseries without any income-based criteria.
On the public transport front, we have very good news for both Thessaloniki and Athens. In Thessaloniki, we have taken delivery of 50 brand-new electric articulated buses, which will enter service from September — specifically to improve connectivity with the airport. In Athens, 125 new electric vehicles are already in operation, and upgrade works are progressing on fixed-rail transit lines. A tender has also been launched for the full refurbishment and air-conditioning installation on first-generation metro trains, while a contract has been signed to improve accessibility at Kallithea station. And because we want to make it easier for those considering the switch to electric mobility, we are increasing the “I Move Electric III” programme by €10 million and extending the application deadline to the end of 2026.
Among the reforms that were debated for decades but never advanced, I would single out the one opening Greek higher education to the world. This week, operating licences were signed for seven additional campuses of international universities, set to begin operating from the 2026–2027 academic year, following rigorous evaluation and with the approval of the relevant independent authorities. Among them are leading institutions such as Georgetown University, Iowa State University, Roger Williams University, the European University Cyprus, as well as three institutions that were successfully re-evaluated. The accreditation of study programmes will follow, so that every student can be confident that the programme they choose meets the highest academic standards. This is a historic shift that puts an end to a decades-long Greek peculiarity and creates more choices for students, retains valuable human capital within the country, attracts international partnerships, and strengthens research and innovation. I also want to emphasize this: expanding non-state, non-profit universities does not come at the expense of public universities. On the contrary, it is proceeding in parallel with the largest investment in public higher education institutions in decades — more funding, new student residences, better infrastructure, and greater international outreach. Because our goal is not to limit young people’s choices, but to multiply them. On this occasion, I would like to wish every student receiving their university entrance results this year the very best of luck — and to those who did not achieve their goals, I want to say this: nothing ends with this year’s exams. You have your whole life ahead of you to try and make your dreams come true.
Turning to the economy, the development law supporting investment plans by Greek businesses is now running at full speed, leaving the delays of the past firmly behind. We have unlocked more than €134 million in tax exemptions for 90 investment projects in tourism and manufacturing — five times the figure from last year. This is a significant development for the real economy and growth, because liquidity for businesses means more investment and more jobs with good pay.
On national defence, we are moving forward with one of the most substantial reinforcements of the Armed Forces in recent years. The Government Council on Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) approved 10 new armament programmes worth over €4 billion, with the flagship being the “Shield of Achilles” — a comprehensive command-and-control system designed to counter every type of threat. Notably, the Greek Defence Industry is actively participating with €700 million in contracts, while 8 of the 10 new special operations underwater vehicles will be built here in Greece, at the Skaramagkas shipyard. The programme also includes new Embraer transport aircraft and the upgrade of four MEKO frigates. And because the strength of the Armed Forces lies in its people, we are investing in our human capital by sending officers to the United States for postgraduate studies, specializing in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
I will close, as I usually do in these weekly reviews, with culture. Three important monuments in the Epirus region — the Kaloutsianes Mosque, the Ottoman Bath at Ioannina Castle, and the Castle of Kiafa in Souli — have been restored by the Ministry of Culture and handed over to the local community by the President of the Republic. These are projects that bring the region’s history back to life and breathe new vitality into these sites, as part of our ongoing effort to protect and promote our cultural heritage in every corner of Greece.
This is the last Sunday of July — and if you’ve made it to the end of this week’s review, thank you sincerely for your time. Good morning!
