Greek PM Calls For Response To European Territory Threats

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed in his weekly Sunday post that any threat to European territory requires an immediate and strong response. He linked this principle to swift interventions against potential market speculation arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Mitsotakis stated that recent events demonstrated how Greece’s upgraded diplomacy and defence translated into security and solidarity. “When the conflict in the Middle East threatened the Greek community in Cyprus, Greece immediately stood by its side. Our example encouraged other partners to extend European air and naval protection around the island,” he said. He added that when European territory faces external threats, a rapid and decisive collective response is essential.

The government organised channels to provide guidance to Greeks in risk zones. Over the past five days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated the safe repatriation of 1,039 citizens from Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Israel, Oman, the UAE, and Palestinian territories. Yesterday alone, 90 citizens returned from Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain on a C-130 military aircraft, while 448 returned from Dubai on a special flight. The operations used leased aircraft, ground transport, and military planes, overcoming challenges including flight restrictions, ongoing alerts in conflict areas, and involvement of multiple countries.

Mitsotakis stressed that Greece remains prepared to address consequences of the crisis on energy markets and goods prices, with experience and willingness to act immediately against speculation. He underscored that government priorities remain national protection and social support.

He also highlighted domestic achievements: the Greek Parliament approved the extension of postal voting for nationals abroad, which will be implemented in the 2027 national elections. Meanwhile, applications opened for the “All Digital” programme, helping over-65s and people with disabilities engage with digital services; more than 4,000 applications arrived within days.

The government also signed Greece’s first two-year collective labour agreement in the confectionery industry, affecting over 23,000 workers and more than 2,000 companies. Additionally, Greece and Eurocontrol agreed on technical assistance to modernise air traffic management and aviation services, enhancing safety, interoperability, and resilience.

On public health, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, praised Greece’s preventive care programmes and mobile health units. The government also launched a national initiative educating students on menstruation, reaching nearly 80,000 children and adolescents, and distributing over 18 million sanitary products.

Private initiatives also contributed: the Stelios Haji-Ioannou Foundation pledged €10.08 million to financially support doctors serving small islands over the next seven years.

Other domestic achievements included the reopening of the Arsakeio Megaro, headquarters of the Council of State, and the expansion of higher education, with applications from Georgetown University, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, European University Cyprus, Roger Williams University, and University of Sunderland for campuses in Greece.

Greece also ranked 4th globally and 1st in Europe for 5G Standalone speeds, while broadband speeds rose 22 places globally, reflecting government programmes such as Gigabit Voucher and Smart Readiness.

Law enforcement successes included dismantling a telephone scam targeting mainly elderly citizens, involving six arrests and over 40 identified fraud cases with estimated gains over €300,000.

Finally, Greece repatriated 91 stolen Jewish heritage items from Warsaw, marking the first return of such cultural artefacts from Poland.

Mitsotakis concluded by emphasising government activity across all fronts, asserting that Greece continues to navigate international and domestic challenges with unity and confidence.