Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis issued a call to avoid further escalation in the Middle East in his Sunday post. “Our absolute priority is the safety of Greek citizens in the region,” the prime minister emphasized.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that Greece is monitoring developments in Iran and the Middle East with concern and maintains continuous communication with regional leaders, prioritizing the safety of Greek citizens and maintaining stability and free navigation.
He also referenced the three-year anniversary of the Tempi tragedy, emphasizing that his thoughts are with the victims’ families and that the trial beginning March 23 represents a crucial step in clarifying the case and assigning responsibilities. He stressed that interventions are proceeding for a safer and more modern railway, with full signaling, remote control, new trains, and institutional changes at OSE.
Regarding the economy, he noted that Greece is strengthening its role as an energy hub through LNG agreements, while the European Commission approved a 400 million euro program for clean technology investments. He also mentioned military service reforms, digital education programs for elderly and disabled individuals, and particularly positive tourism data for 2025.
Finally, he discussed development projects in Evros, the creation of a digital registry for corruption cases, and the new partnership between the Greek Film Centre and Netflix, which strengthens Greece’s position as a hub for international audiovisual productions.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ post
Good morning. We are closely monitoring with concern developments in Iran and the broader Middle East region, which directly affect international and regional stability. Yesterday I had communications with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis. Today I continue contacts with regional leaders, aiming for coordination and exchange of assessments on recent developments. The issue was thoroughly discussed at KYSEA, where we evaluated all data and analyzed potential implications at all levels: diplomatic, geopolitical, and security. Our absolute priority is the safety of Greek citizens in the region. From the first moment, all Foreign Ministry mechanisms were activated for their protection and support, while we maintain constant coordination with allies and partners. At the same time, our steady goal remains ensuring free navigation and maintaining stability in the broader region. This requires effective control of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program to prevent nuclear weapon acquisition. Greece stands with composure as a force of stability and responsibility in the region. Further escalation must be avoided. It is important to protect civilians and respect International Law.
Yesterday was the three-year anniversary of the Tempi tragedy, a night that deeply marked the country and left behind unspeakable pain. Our thoughts are first and above all with the victims’ families, who live daily with the loss of their loved ones. Time does not heal such wounds. It simply transforms them into a silent, daily ordeal. For society as a whole, the demand remains constant: full clarification of the case and assignment of responsibilities. The trial beginning March 23 constitutes a critical institutional step. In a democracy, Justice is the path through which truth emerges and responsibilities are assigned. The Greek State throughout this period had one basic obligation: to ensure the case would be investigated thoroughly and that Justice could perform its work uninfluenced. One of the largest and most complex investigations ever conducted in our country was carried out, with complete investigation of evidence and responsibilities. Within three years the investigation was completed and the trial is set to begin in a few weeks, with 36 defendants, 33 of whom face felony charges and two Ministers who will be accountable to the Judicial Council. Parallel to Justice, we have a duty to ensure the railway becomes safer and more modern. Already, on the country’s main railway axis, Athens-Thessaloniki, by summer the line will operate with full signaling, full remote control, and the European train control system (ETCS), already installed on 100 trains. For the first time in two decades, new train procurement is proceeding, with a 308 million euro investment under the revised agreement with Ferrovie dello Stato. A total of 23 new trains will be delivered gradually from spring 2027, with clear clauses favoring the Greek State. At the institutional level, we proceeded with deep changes: the new unified OSE was created eliminating fragmented responsibilities, the budget was increased and a stricter operational framework was established. RAS and EODASA were strengthened, new staffing and training standards are applied with modern simulators, while psychometric evaluations and international cooperations were established. This reform is complemented by the operation of railway.gov.gr, the new digital railway supervision tool. For the first time, there is public and real-time visibility of train traffic, starting with the Athens-Thessaloniki axis. By the end of April, the satellite tracking system will be installed on all network trains. The platform does not replace existing safety systems but enhances them. It functions as an additional control valve, with immediate notification and risk management capabilities.
I come to the review and the new significant commercial agreements signed Tuesday in Washington by Atlantic SEE LNG Trade (the joint venture of AKTOR Group and DEPA Trading) for American LNG sales to four European periphery countries, in the markets of the so-called Vertical Energy Corridor, connecting Greece’s infrastructure with Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine, as well as the broader Western Balkans. With multi-year horizon, the agreements secure stable natural gas quantities to Europe through Greece, strengthening our country’s role as a reliable energy security hub. Their importance was recognized in the joint declaration of the 22 countries that participated in the White House Conference.
This week we had a significant development for Greek industry. The European Commission approved a new state aid scheme, worth 400 million euros, to support investments in “clean” technology (CISAF). This decision allows us to strengthen strategic sectors, from critical raw materials to battery production, photovoltaics, wind turbines and green hydrogen technologies. Support will be provided through grants and tax incentives until 2030. The benefits are many: strong support for domestic production base competitiveness, reduced dependence on imported critical raw materials, new quality jobs and stable conditions for long-term investments with low environmental footprint. Industrial development and environmental protection advance together, with planning and effectiveness. This is a significant success for our homeland that two Ministries (Development and Environment & Energy) and corresponding General Secretariats (Private Investments and Energy & Mineral Raw Materials) worked on coordinately for many months.
Also this week, another significant reform enhancing the combat effectiveness of Greek Armed Forces was implemented. I refer to the new military service model providing that all conscripts now serve in the Army. What changes? The 10 weeks of basic training now include new skills like drone operation and upgraded fighter training, while soldiers will receive specialized knowledge at Lifelong Learning Centers, also acquiring professional skills. Monthly compensation increases significantly, reaching 100 euros for service in Evros and eastern Aegean islands and 50 euros for the mainland. Meals are upgraded qualitatively and quantitatively, with increased food allowance value. The new service constitutes one of the main pillars of the “Agenda 2030” reform. Our goal is a more modern, better-trained soldier for the reserve and simultaneously a more skilled citizen for society.
Applications begin for the digital education and empowerment program for citizens over 65 and individuals with 50% or higher disability. The program’s goal is simple but substantial: no one should be left behind in the digital age. Through organized lessons and support, participants will become familiar with basic digital skills, from using gov.gr and electronic payments to communication through applications and social media. Technology should not create new exclusions. It should facilitate everyone’s life.
In the economic field, tourism data is particularly encouraging. 2025 was a milestone year, with travel receipts reaching 23.63 billion euros (2 billion more than the previous 2024 record and 5.5 billion euros more than 2019). The important element here is that we achieved nearly double revenue increase (+9.4%) compared to tourist increase (+5.6%), meaning qualitative and income upgrading of tourists choosing our homeland for their holidays. The country welcomed 38 million visitors, versus approximately 34 million in 2019, with strong contribution from Germany, the United Kingdom and the USA, generating nearly 9.25 billion euros. Meanwhile, the goal of extending the tourist season is beginning to pay off: in December 2025 arrivals increased 49% and receipts 33% compared to the corresponding month in 2024. Greece steadily expands its tourism footprint beyond the traditional “sun and sea” model, strengthening city breaks, winter activities and non-seasonal tourism forms. We’ve got it!
Wednesday I was in Evros, a region constantly on our homeland’s front line. At Kipoi I was briefed on the border station upgrade, one of the country’s most important land entry gates, and conversed with staff serving at the outpost. A special moment was visiting the “Lady of the Delta’s” hut, which for the first time has electricity and satellite communication – a small but substantial intervention for people keeping the borderland alive. I also know the difficulties farmers in the region face and we remain in open dialogue with them. The interstate agreement for Arda waters is proceeding, providing 164 million cubic meters annually for agricultural land irrigation. Additionally, the Integrated Spatial Investment “Evros After” is strengthened with additional 30 million euros funding, directed toward road, irrigation and flood protection projects, as well as social protection and entrepreneurship support actions. The plan we presented in Orestiada in October 2024 is being implemented step-by-step, with steady focus on regional development and strengthening.
Wednesday also saw Parliament vote to create a digital Registry for corruption cases. Simply put, for the first time the state will have a unified and organized picture of where these cases stand: from when they begin investigation until their final judicial outcome. Data will be anonymized and the system will operate under Economic Crime Prosecutor supervision. The goal is to know what actually happens, identify delays or weaknesses and improve corruption handling. More transparency, more accountability. I close today’s review with a recent event concerning modern Greek culture and the vital, valuable film and audiovisual sector. The Greek Film Centre for Cinema, Audiovisual Media and Creation – the now well-known EKKOMED – signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Netflix just days ago! The Memorandum begins immediately with training actions for Greek creators by the global audiovisual industry giant, continuing discussions I had with Ted Sarandos during his Greece visit. A cooperation that doesn’t remain in words but will continue and expand, creating real opportunities for the sector’s new generation of professionals. This is a significant moment in efforts to showcase a new, dynamic industry for our country. The major international production with Brad Pitt filming in Greece is just one example of the sector’s acquired dynamism. From 2019 to today, 277 million euros have been provided as incentives and support from all EKKOMED funding tools for hundreds of productions, including 160 international productions or co-productions. The national economy benefit exceeds 1 billion euros, while nearly 3,000 jobs have been created or supported. Greece is steadily becoming Europe’s film and audiovisual hub. We invest strategically in a new, dynamic development sector because we believe in our creators, because we strengthen employment, increase national wealth and strengthen our homeland’s international brand. I wish we have a good month. Good morning to you all!
