Yiannis Loverdo, in an interview on Thursday (20/8), addressed the latest Turkish provocations regarding the establishment of maritime parks in the Aegean Sea, describing the development as negative and reiterating Greece’s position that the parks are “legally void” and “produce no legal effect whatsoever.”
Read also: Hatzivasileiou: Turkey’s maritime park claim is illegal and produces no legal effect — his take on reports of Iranian threats (Video)
Greece seeks good-neighbourly relations, but the other side must be willing too
Speaking on national broadcaster ERT, the Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that Greece actively pursues good-neighbourly relations with Turkey, while emphasising that this requires a corresponding willingness from the Turkish side. He also noted that Greece is keeping its partners and allies fully informed of Turkish actions, and that it will take every available defensive measure necessary to protect national sovereignty and national interests.
At the same time, Loverdo cautioned against turning foreign policy matters into a arena for domestic partisan conflict. “Foreign policy is not conducted through shouting or outbursts,” he said pointedly, underlining that effective foreign policy demands consistency and responsibility.
On reports of Greek defence system repositioning
When asked to comment on reports regarding the repositioning of Greek defence systems, Loverdo declined to comment on recommendations made by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, noting that such decisions are made by the Government Council of Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) when circumstances require. He did emphasise, however, that Greece will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests, and he also referenced Greece’s support for Cyprus and Bulgaria.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also expressed concern over the broader international situation, particularly the risk of a wider economic crisis stemming from the ongoing energy crisis, noting that high oil and fuel prices are already having a tangible impact on citizens’ daily lives.
On the Greece–Cyprus–Israel electricity interconnection
Responding to questions about the electricity interconnection project between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, Loverdo described it as “unthinkable” that Turkey would attempt to block the research work. He noted that the project enjoys full European Union backing and funding, and is also supported by the United States and Israel. “The project will go ahead and will be completed in due course,” he stated. Regarding the reported agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, Loverdo said the development is not something Athens welcomes, but does not consider it a threat. He also emphasised that Greece’s relations with Saudi Arabia remain, in his words, “excellent.”
On the Thessaloniki International Fair and support measures
Turning to the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), Loverdo argued that it should not be treated as a mere showcase of government handouts, but rather as a presentation of the government’s economic policy for the year ahead. He maintained that any measures must be targeted and grounded in fiscal realities, while noting that at this point there is no room for bold interventions beyond what the economy can sustain. On the issue of the cost of living, he acknowledged that inflation is a global phenomenon, while stressing the importance of tackling price gouging and oligopolistic market practices.
On the political landscape
Wrapping up, the Deputy Foreign Minister touched on the domestic political scene, noting that New Democracy remains first in the polls but does not currently hold the percentages needed to govern outright. He added that “New Democracy’s greatest enemy is its own worst self.” On the question of election timing, he estimated that elections will be held in the spring of 2027, without ruling out the possibility they could take place later in the spring.
