The award ceremony for the 365 Scholarships of the Union of Greek Shipowners for the 2026–2027 academic year took place at the Hellenic Naval Academy on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Having established the significantly expanded program “SYN-ENOSIS FOR EDUCATION +100 SCHOLARSHIPS,” as well as the symbolically named “Excellence” scholarship — awarded to the best of the best, the first among firsts — the Union has consistently placed education, academic excellence, and the next generation at the heart of its social mission, staying true to its commitment: “Shipping and Society, Always Together.”
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Union of Greek Shipowners: 365 scholarships awarded
Specifically, scholarships were granted to 365 outstanding young men and women from 44 regions across Greece, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies across 11 academic fields, in 19 countries, at 119 universities in Greece and abroad — each according to their own choice.
It is worth noting that all 365 scholarship recipients met the program’s eligibility criteria and demonstrated exceptionally high academic performance. They were selected from a total of 1,200 applicants. The evaluation was carried out by a dedicated committee composed of members of the Boards of Directors of both the Union of Greek Shipowners and SYN-ENOSIS, chaired by Mr. Giannis Xylas, and including Messrs. Nikolas Veniamis, Ninos Karousssis, and Alexandros Pappas. The Evaluation Committee was also supported by academic advisors: Andreas Papandreou, Professor of Environmental Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Elias Papaioannou, Professor of Economics at London Business School; and Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos, Professor of Therapeutics, Hematology, and Oncology and Director of the Therapeutic Clinic at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The Athens Concert Hall’s artistic director, Giannis Vakarells, also served as an advisor.
The scholarships cover studies in Greece and abroad through full-time, one- or two-year postgraduate programs at the pre-doctoral level. The Union of Greek Shipowners’ postgraduate scholarship program is the largest of its kind in the country, and stands as a powerful pillar of the organization’s enduring humanitarian legacy — one that encompasses health, education, social welfare, food aid, public interest projects, and crisis response, having contributed more than €150,000,000 in recent years.
The ceremony
The event opened with a video presentation highlighting the impact of Greek shipping at the national, European, and global level, showcasing its leadership role, strategic importance, and contribution to the economy, society, and the country. The ceremony was then addressed by the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, who stated: “A few years ago, I attended as a minister with a different portfolio. And in the best possible sense, I envied this effort — the support given to young people’s dreams, the chance to chase what they believe in. I stand beside these young people.
If you dream, so do I. If you fight for it, so do I. If you sit down with your families to plan and discuss the future, so do I. If you want to make something of your lives, I couldn’t be prouder. The 52 years since the restoration of democracy have completed a cycle. We must give our children back the hope and strength to shape their own lives — to fall in love, to build families.
I want to congratulate the President of the UGS, Ms. Melina Travlou, and all the people of the shipping industry and the Union. Every single scholarship is a building block in the rebirth of this country — so that the next generation can live the dream of the average Greek family: to live better than the one before.”
The event was also addressed by the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, who remarked: “When merit meets opportunity, education truly changes young people’s lives. This is precisely what the ‘SYN-ENOSIS FOR EDUCATION’ scholarship program embodies — casting a vote of confidence in students who dream, strive, and successfully claim their futures.
I want to warmly thank President Melina Travlou and all members of the Union of Greek Shipowners for their steadfast and meaningful investment in education. Special thanks are also due for the Union’s extensive school renovation work in Thessaly following the devastating disasters of 2023. These scholarships are not only financial support — they are a powerful reminder that when the state and society join forces, they create real opportunities for the next generation. At the Ministry of Education, we are working toward one clear goal: more choices and better opportunities for every student.
With a stronger, more outward-looking and more modern public university — one that invests in knowledge, research, and innovation — we give our young people the ability to build their futures with confidence and a sense of purpose.”
This was followed by a video presentation on the Union of Greek Shipowners’ annual postgraduate scholarship program, which highlighted the initiative’s evolution and expansion, as well as its significance for the young men and women who distinguish themselves through excellence, integrity, and dedication.
The floor then went to the scholarship recipients themselves — the true stars of the evening. Symbolically, one recipient from each academic field spoke, sharing their personal message about what the scholarship means to them, and the importance of striving for excellence and pursuing one’s dreams. Proceedings began, as a mark of honor, with the “Best of the Best” — the recipient of the Union of Greek Shipowners’ “Excellence” scholarship.
Melina Travlou’s speech
The ceremony reached its emotional peak with the address of Union of Greek Shipowners President Melina Travlou, who — visibly moved by the scholars’ words — invited the audience to rise and applaud all of the outstanding young recipients. The gesture was met with a standing ovation in a deeply touching moment. President Travlou stated: “As people of the sea, we know well that the strength of Greek shipping does not lie only in our dominance across the world’s oceans.
It lies in our connection to our homeland — where the power born at sea is transformed into opportunities for our fellow citizens. This year, the Union of Greek Shipowners’ scholarships number 365 — one for every day of the year. Every day, we empower the next generation, remaining true to our commitment: ‘Shipping and Society, Always Together.’
For us, the significance of our scholarship program is not only the tangible support it provides. It is the trust we place in you — in those who, through consistency, hard work, and dedication, prove that no meaningful journey is handed to you. It is earned. Behind every scholarship lies a personal story of relentless effort and discipline, a family, a vision that matters to all of society.
I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the 110 colleagues who believed in my vision and helped make it a reality — the largest scholarship program in the history of our Union, and indeed of our country. Once again, we united for the common good, investing where every contribution carries its greatest value: at the critical starting point in the rise of young people.
As a nation, we need young men and women with your values. I am certain that today’s ceremony will remain in your memory as a moment of recognition and support on your journey. But also as a reminder that personal success reaches its fullest potential when it is connected to collective progress — so that one day, in your own way, you too will stand beside someone else. That is how societies move forward: by extending a hand to one another at the right moment. The most meaningful legacy one generation can leave the next is the opportunities it creates for them.”
The ceremony was hosted by Ms. Christina Karlavti, Lieutenant Commander of the Hellenic Coast Guard and Head of the Communications and Information Office of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy.
