Greek Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias and U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle agree to deepen cooperation on port investments, shipbuilding know-how, and Eastern Mediterranean security, with the U.S. eyeing Greece as a key partner under President Trump’s new shipbuilding initiative.
Tag: Vassilis Kikilias
Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, has traveled to London to participate…
Kimberly Guilfoyle: “Strengthening Cooperation with Greece is President Trump’s Personal Commitment”
U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle was honored by the Propeller Club Port of Piraeus, continuing a…
Greece has reaffirmed its status as a world leader in shipping throughout September, taking centre stage at major international maritime events and advancing dialogue on security, sustainability and the industry’s future.
Greece and the United States are set to begin immediate cooperation in the fields of…
Athens plans to lodge a diplomatic protest against Turkey due to repeated incursions by Turkish fishermen into Greek territorial waters, particularly near eastern Aegean islands like Agathonisi, where they fish illegally, often during prohibited periods.
Greece’s justice system is probing alleged links between NGOs and migrant smuggling networks in the northern Aegean, Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced. Coast guard evidence suggests some NGOs may be illegally aiding smugglers, with sanctions to follow if proven. Kikilias emphasized respect for Greek laws and praised the coast guard’s border protection efforts.
Greek authorities vowed a zero-tolerance stance against human traffickers after a Turkish vessel fired on a Coast Guard boat off Lesbos on April 13, 2025. The traffickers escaped to Turkish waters, with no injuries reported.
Greek Maritime Minister Vassilis Kikilias announces amendment to halve port fees.
Greece’s largest port, which handles over 20 million passengers and thousands of vehicles daily, is…
The Greek government has called for a meeting this Saturday by two scientific committees to…
Greece is bracing for the full impact of cold wave ‘Coral,’ with temperatures set to drop sharply and heavy snowfall expected in several regions. The government has strengthened emergency measures, including expanded shelters and increased aid for vulnerable populations. Authorities urge residents to stay informed, limit travel, and report those in need of assistance as the situation unfolds.
The Greek government has announced plans to construct an emergency “escape port” in Santorini to facilitate evacuations in the event of a major earthquake. Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, emphasized the importance of preparedness as seismic activity continues in the region. Authorities are closely monitoring volcanic movements, including activity at Nea Kameni and Kolumbo, while ensuring safety measures are in place. Kikilias urged responsible communication from scientists, stressing that public safety remains the government’s top priority.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Santorini to assess the state’s preparedness in response to ongoing geological activity. Accompanied by Minister Vassilis Kikilias, he toured emergency response facilities and emphasized the importance of proactive crisis management. Mitsotakis reassured residents of Santorini and nearby islands, urging them to remain calm and follow official guidance.
The intense seismic activity in the Aegean continues, with frequent tremors around the island of…
Greek Minister Vassilis Kikilias Honoured with France’s Internal Security Medal for Civil Protection
Greek Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, was awarded France’s Internal Security Medal for Civil Protection in a ceremony at the French Embassy in Athens. The honour, presented by France’s Director General of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Julien Marion, recognizes Greece’s efforts in crisis response, particularly during a challenging firefighting season. Kikilias emphasised the strong cooperation between Greece and France in civil protection, while Marion highlighted the long-standing partnership and shared challenges in managing natural disasters.
Greek authorities are closely monitoring mild seismic activity in the Santorini caldera, with experts noting increased movement in the Kameni fault. While the activity resembles the 2011-2012 period, which concluded without an eruption, officials emphasize that there is no immediate cause for concern. Continuous monitoring and preventive measures remain a priority to safeguard residents and visitors.
Greece is investing €36 million in seven new meteorological radar networks to improve weather forecasting and preparedness for extreme weather events.
Greece faced 9,500 wildfires in 2023, its hottest and driest year on record, burning nearly 44,500 hectares of land. While the number of fires rose by 7.5% compared to the last 20 years, swift action from authorities reduced the affected area by 14%. Minister Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the growing challenge of fires occurring outside the traditional fire season, with climate change driving more extreme weather patterns in the country.
A state of emergency was declared on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Lemnos on Monday after a deadly storm caused widespread damage. Two men were killed in Lemnos as floods, strong winds, and heavy rain overturned cars, caused power outages, and led to evacuations. Rescue teams, supported by the military, worked to evacuate vulnerable residents. Greece’s climate crisis minister, Vassilis Kikilias, linked the extreme weather to climate change, urging residents to follow evacuation orders for their safety.
At the Green Deal 2024 conference, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias addressed the ongoing firefighting season and the challenges faced by fire brigades. He reported that, despite the official end of the fire season, new fires have broken out in several regions, contributing to a total of 9,000 incidents this year. Kikilias described the current situation as one of the most difficult in the past 30 to 35 years. He also discussed the AEGIS project, noting significant progress with tenders worth 1.8 billion euros and the imminent signing of contracts for new weather stations and radars—essential tools that Greece has been without since 2004.
A large wildfire has broken out in the Ilia region of Greece, spreading across multiple fronts and threatening several settlements due to strong winds. Firefighters, aided by aerial support, are battling the flames in Geraki, Panopoulos, and Nea Manolada, but conditions remain challenging. Authorities warn that the fire is advancing rapidly towards residential areas, putting homes at risk.
Southern Rethymno faces a tense night as a relentless wildfire, now burning for over 48 hours, has forced the precautionary evacuation of nine villages.
Greek Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced that authorities will continue in-depth investigations into all fires and hold those responsible accountable. Recent arrests include a 66-year-old for arson in Vari and a 33-year-old for fires in Magoula. Kikilias emphasized the updated Criminal Code, which imposes up to 20 years in prison for intentional arson.
On Sunday, Greece was hit by over 60 wildfires, with 45 igniting in the afternoon alone due to intense lightning activity, particularly in Attiki, Viotia, and Evia. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias reported that while significant fires in several areas, including Aliveri and Nafplio, have been contained, the blaze in Aghios Athanassios is only partially under control.
A wildfire in Evia’s Petries village, fueled by strong northern winds, prompted an emergency response from local authorities. Minister Vassilis Kikilias visited the scene as 120 firefighters, 36 vehicles, and 24 aircraft battled the blaze. Residents in the Koskina area received multiple evacuation alerts, while road closures and coordinated efforts from the Coast Guard and Hellenic Police ensured public safety.
A wildfire in southern Evia has forced the evacuation of villages and caused a wind turbine explosion, endangering firefighters and volunteers. With over 180 firefighters and several aircraft deployed, the blaze continues to rage out of control.
Greek Climate Crisis and Citizen Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias met with British Minister of State for Europe Stephen Doughty on Monday to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation on civil protection and addressing global challenges from the climate crisis. Kikilias highlighted Doughty’s gratitude for the Greek Fire Service’s efforts during recent wildfires in Rhodes and Kos.
Greece will expand its advanced drone system for faster fire response beyond Attica, announced Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias. He also emphasized strict penalties for arson and urged property owners to clear flammable materials to prevent fires.
The thirteen crew members of a yacht chartered by Kazakh tourists appeared before a Greek prosecutor on Sunday, facing potential arson charges after a wildfire ravaged 300 hectares of forest on Hydra island. The crew denies allegations that fireworks launched from the *Persefoni I* sparked the blaze.
