Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sent a clear message regarding the Turkey-Libya memorandum and the defense of Greece’s sovereign rights, through his regular Sunday review, in which he summarizes the week’s key government initiatives. Drawing on his attendance at the UN Security Council session in New York, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Turkey-Libya agreement cannot erase the rights of the Greek islands, emphasizing the importance of international law, alliances, and the country’s strong deterrent capabilities.
In his post, Mr. Mitsotakis also addressed the extension of the fuel subsidy through November 15, the new “Home Renovation” program offering grants of up to €36,000, cheaper agricultural diesel available directly at the pump, and the recovery of over €323 million in state aid from investment plans that were never completed. The weekly review also covers initiatives to create marine parks, the strengthening of the Hellenic Navy with the new FDI frigate “Nearhos,” measures to protect workers, and actions to highlight the historical and cultural identity of Thessaloniki.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ post
Good morning and happy new month to everyone! November is here, and for those already counting down, Christmas is getting a little closer. For the more realistic among us, of course, we still have two months and quite a bit of work ahead. Whichever camp you’re in, I hope you can spare a few minutes for our Sunday review.
Returning from New York, where I chaired the UN Security Council session on maritime security, I find myself reflecting on how directly what is discussed in the halls of international diplomacy connects to the safety and future of every Greek family. For a country like ours — with Greece’s history and geography — peace and respect for international law are essential conditions for progress and for planning our lives with confidence and perspective. That is why, from the UN podium, I once again explained why the illegal Turkey-Libya memorandum cannot erase the rights of our islands. Behind the lines drawn on maps are real people, living communities, history, and a future. Our responsibility is to defend them with steadiness, strong deterrence, alliances, and well-grounded argument — always on the basis of international law. With confidence, without empty rhetoric. With resolve, without closing the door to dialogue. Because a strong Greece is a Greece that effectively defends its interests, contributes to peace, and creates conditions of security and opportunity for future generations.
Now, let’s get to the week’s news:
1. We are extending the fuel subsidy through November 15, with €0.20 per liter for heating oil, €0.15 for diesel, and €0.10 for gasoline.
2. Over €323 million in state aid is being recovered following the exclusion of 141 investment plans under the 2016 Development Law that were never completed. This is the result of audits conducted by the Ministry of Development across a total of 572 investment plans, with reviews continuing for earlier development laws as well.
3. Applications have opened for the new “Home Renovation” program, which enables low- and middle-income households to renovate their homes with a subsidy of between 70% and 95%, up to a maximum of €36,000, plus an additional €2,500 for support services. In its first phase, the program targets vacant properties, with the aim of bringing them back into use — either by their owners or through rental — before being extended to occupied residences. Applications can be submitted at anakainisi.tee.gov.gr until January 11, 2027, after first obtaining an Eligibility Certificate for the property.
4. As of today, farmers can purchase cheaper diesel directly at the pump, without waiting for a tax refund. The benefit amounts to €0.5084 per liter, and all that is required is a digital voucher from the AADE myDiesel app. The quantities they are entitled to have also increased by 50% compared to last year. There was also significant news from Brussels, with a political agreement reached on the new Common Agricultural Policy, which provides greater support for young and small-scale producers and more flexibility to meet the specific needs of Greek agriculture. Negotiations on the funding allocations, however, are still ongoing.
5. Following the submission to the Council of State of the Presidential Decree for the National Marine Park of the Southern Cyclades, we are now moving forward in the Ionian as well. The Special Environmental Study has been approved for 22 Natura 2000 areas, stretching from Othonoi and Corfu to Zakynthos and the Strofades islands. The next step is the issuance of the Presidential Decree that will establish the protection rules, taking into account the needs of local communities. With these two new marine parks, we are advancing the commitment we made at the “Our Ocean” Conference, with the goal of protecting more than 30% of Greek waters by 2030. In parallel, the Management Plan for Gyaros is also being implemented — a vital refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal — with measures to protect marine life and regulate visitor access to the island.
6. The helipads on Erikoussa and Othonoi in the Diapontia Islands are being restored to operation after years of neglect. Works on Erikoussa are already 80% complete, while interventions on Othonoi are continuing. For the residents of these small border islands, a functioning helipad means greater safety and, above all, the ability to carry out emergency medical evacuations when every minute counts.
7. A new Presidential Decree — transposing a European directive — introduces stricter limits on workers’ exposure to hazardous chemical substances. Specifically, permissible limits for lead are being reduced, and limits for diisocyanates used in industry are being established for the first time. At the same time, medical monitoring is being strengthened and workplace inspections are being enhanced with new digital tools.
8. On Friday, the Greek flag was raised in France aboard the “NEARHOS,” the second state-of-the-art FDI frigate of our Navy. Pure pride! In December, the “FORMION” follows, and then the “THEMISTOKLIS.” This caps off a week marked by a strong presence of the Armed Forces, which began with the October 28th parade in Thessaloniki. There, we saw the new generation of weapons systems — but also something that struck me deeply: the thousands of citizens who waited patiently in line to board the frigate “KIMON.” Respect for the “No” of 1940 is expressed today in this way too: through a strong Greece that guards its borders and its peace.
I’ll close with Thessaloniki — and light. The White Tower is now illuminated in an entirely new way, one that brings out its beauty and history. The transformation was made possible through a donation by METLEN, and by January 2027, the Heptapyrgion and sections of the Byzantine Walls will follow. And since we’re in Thessaloniki — if you happen to be in Aristotelous Square these days, you’ll find something different: an open-air design museum, as part of the first Design Dialogue Days under the DNA Thessaloniki initiative, featuring exhibits ranging from everyday objects to the color red as used in Pedro Almodóvar’s films. The exhibition extends across 30 storefronts in the historic city center, with free admission through next Sunday. Two very different initiatives that show just how beautifully a city can blend its history with contemporary creativity. Happy Sunday!
