Set against the breathtaking landscape of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, the KYMATA Film Festival brings together cinema, music and culture in a unique seaside setting. Known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountains, picturesque villages and rich cultural heritage, the island will once again become a vibrant meeting point for filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and cinema lovers from Greece and around the world, as the 5th International KYMATA Film Festival celebrates contemporary cinema through screenings, special tributes, educational activities, exhibitions and live performances.

Featuring leading figures from the international and Greek film industries, major screenings, educational initiatives, and a rich program of cultural events, the 5th International KYMATA Film Festival returns to the beautiful island of Kefalonia from 21 to 30 August 2026, once again aiming to establish itself as one of the most significant cinematic events of the Greek summer.

Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, is a place where dramatic natural landscapes meet a rich cultural heritage. From its rugged mountains and spectacular caves to its crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches and picturesque villages, the island offers a striking diversity of landscapes and a distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere.

The KYMATA Film Festival is the only film festival in the Ionian Islands. It takes place at the Thalassomylos Municipal Cultural Complex, a seaside venue located approximately 2 km from the centre of Argostoli. Organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Argostoli, the festival has enjoyed an enthusiastic response from audiences since its launch in 2022.

The festival was founded to promote and celebrate cinema and music, encourage audience participation and engagement, and establish a lasting creative hub where Kefalonian artists and industry professionals can connect and network with peers from across Europe and around the world.

This year’s edition will feature international short-film competitions in Fiction, Documentary and, for the first time, Animation, alongside major open-air screenings, special tributes, masterclasses, late-night screenings, concerts, and live music cinema performances. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore a series of exhibitions, including one dedicated to Greece in the 1980s.

Among this year’s honored guests are Jerzy Skolimowski, one of Europe’s most important filmmakers and a celebrated Polish director, and his long-time collaborator, screenwriter and partner Ewa Piaskowska. Audiences will have the opportunity to attend special screenings of Skolimowski’s work, meet the two distinguished filmmakers in person, and take part in conversations with them about their careers and creative journeys.

With its distinctive seaside setting, international line-up and diverse program of screenings, performances, exhibitions and educational activities, the 5th KIMATA Film Festival promises to transform Kefalonia into a vibrant meeting place for filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and cinema lovers from Greece and around the world.

Source: Kymata Film Festival

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In the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, an agreement was signed at the Maximos Mansion on August 5, 2026 for the entry of the French investment group Meridiam as the majority shareholder in Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), which, according to the initial planning, will undertake the development of the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project. A tripartite agreement was also signed between the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), GSI and Nexans concerning seabed survey works for the implementation of the project.

“Welcome to Athens. Today is, I believe, a very important day, marking significant progress for the Great Sea Interconnector project. As you know, this is a project of strategic importance both for Greece and Cyprus, but I believe also for Europe as a whole. And Meridiam’s entry as the majority shareholder in Great Sea Interconnector, a special-purpose company established by IPTO to implement the project, is, in my view, a very strong vote of confidence in Greece’s energy sector, in IPTO’s technical capabilities, and in the strategic value of this interconnection project,” the Prime Minister said in his remarks.

“I believe, however, that the most important message is that we are joining forces for a European project of common interest and, at the same time, that this development is accompanied by the signing of a strategic agreement between IPTO, GSI and Nexans. The three parties will work together from the outset to accelerate the implementation of the project, with the completion of the seabed surveys being the first priority.

“I believe IPTO brings to this project deep technical expertise, extensive knowledge of power systems and a proven ability to implement major energy interconnections, with the Athens-Crete interconnection serving as an example of a particularly complex project that was recently completed. And, of course, you bring international experience in similar projects and a long-term commitment to strategic infrastructure.

“By combining these complementary strengths, the two partners are creating a significantly stronger and much more credible platform for the construction and successful completion of the project. This particular transaction, of course, concerns the project’s special-purpose company, which is responsible for developing the interconnection.

“I would like to emphasize that IPTO remains a strategic shareholder and a central partner in this project, while your participation strengthens the capital base, leads to better risk allocation and enhances the project’s ability to be implemented. We have been exploring this possibility over the past few months, and we are particularly pleased that we have succeeded in strengthening the project’s capital base.

“Clearly, for us this is both a strategic project and a project of particular importance for the energy structure and stability of the entire network in our region. It will make a substantial contribution to ending Cyprus’s energy isolation and connecting the country to the wider European electricity system. And, of course, it will facilitate the integration of more renewable energy into the grid and will strengthen Europe’s overall energy resilience.

“I am very pleased that Greece is once again demonstrating that it can attract serious, long-term international investors for projects of strategic importance. I believe it is particularly significant that we have managed to attract one of the largest, if not the largest, European investors in the infrastructure sector. I also believe that this is the right time to support strong strategic participation, international investment, technical expertise, as well as a clear allocation of responsibilities and risks.

“Allow me, therefore, to congratulate all the parties involved on the signing of this agreement, and we look forward to taking all the necessary initiatives so that the project can move forward as quickly as possible. Once again, welcome,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis concluded.

Source: Athens-Macedonian News Agency

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The Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence has unveiled the key pillars of HELLAS-SPACE 2.0, Greece's new National Space Program, a €350 million initiative designed to strengthen the country's security, resilience and technological capabilities.

Implemented by the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, the program is financed through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – Greece 2.0 and is being delivered in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA).

HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 serves as the cornerstone of Greece's National Space Strategy, bringing together investments in space infrastructure, the development of the domestic space industry, satellite applications and data services, research and innovation, and the cultivation of a highly skilled workforce.

The program focuses on the following strategic priorities:

• Deployment of very high-resolution Earth observation satellites to generate advanced geospatial data.
• Development of thermal imaging satellites to support civil protection, environmental monitoring and national security.
• Expansion of secure satellite connectivity and positioning services for critical public and private sector applications.
• Establishment of space surveillance and radio frequency monitoring systems to strengthen national operational capabilities.
• Launch of a space innovation and testing program to accelerate the development of new technologies and applications.
• Development of secure data infrastructure and digital services for use across the public and private sectors.
• Support for the Greek space industry, research community and highly skilled workforce, fostering a stronger and more competitive national space ecosystem.

These initiatives will enable the wider use of space technologies in critical sectors, including civil protection, natural disaster management, environmental monitoring, transport, precision agriculture and public administration.

The New National Space Program (HELLAS-SPACE 2.0) aims to:

• Strengthen Greece's national space infrastructure and enhance the country's strategic capabilities.
• Develop a competitive and internationally oriented Greek space industry.
• Harness space technologies to address challenges related to environmental protection, civil protection, security and economic development.
• Promote closer collaboration between the public sector, universities, research institutions, industry and international partners.

With a budget of €350 million, the program represents the largest national investment ever made in Greece's space sector. It aims to position Greece as a strong and trusted partner within the European and global space ecosystem.

Source: Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence

Photos: Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA)

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A new chapter in the development of Greece's space infrastructure has begun with the successful launch of the Hyperion GR-1 microsatellite, the first Greek optical microsatellite developed under the National Microsatellite Program. The satellite was placed into orbit around Earth on Tuesday, July 7, following its launch aboard a SpaceX rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This milestone gives Greece, for the first time, its own national optical Earth observation capabilities.

The launch marks the beginning of the operational deployment of a Greek constellation of seven optical microsatellites, all of which are being built in Greece by Open Cosmos Aegean. The initiative is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the Greek public sector's capabilities in areas such as civil protection, environmental monitoring, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Open Cosmos Aegean is implementing a critical part of the National Microsatellite Program, manufacturing 7 cutting-edge satellites (out of a total of 13 in the national program) in Greece, in state-of-the-art facilities in Pallini, which include 300 m² clean rooms and capabilities for comprehensive satellite design, assembly, integration, testing and operation. In addition, Open Cosmos Aegean has undertaken the construction and operation in Greece of a satellite ground station to provide telemetry, remote control and data transfer services for the entire constellation.

Hyperion GR-1 is equipped to capture high-resolution multispectral imagery with a ground sampling distance of up to 90 centimeters, enabling the systematic observation and monitoring of changes in both natural and built environments. The satellite also incorporates artificial intelligence (AI)-powered onboard data processing and inter-satellite communication links (ISLs), allowing for faster processing and transmission of critical information to ground stations. The data collected by the microsatellite will be integrated into Greece's Government Earth Observation Hub, which is being developed as the country's central digital platform for managing and exploiting satellite-derived information across the public administration.

With the launch of Hyperion GR-1, Greece now has a total of 18 microsatellites in orbit, as part of its broader strategy to develop national space infrastructure

According to the plans of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the system's applications will range from the early detection of wildfires and floods to post-disaster damage assessment, as well as the protection of forests and water resources, precision agriculture and aquaculture, and maritime surveillance, including vessel tracking and the detection of marine pollution incidents. In addition, the satellite data is expected to support urban planning, the monitoring of major infrastructure projects, and the inspection of critical infrastructure, strengthening the government's ability to make informed decisions based on up-to-date geospatial information.

Hyperion GR-1 is the first of seven optical microsatellites being developed under Greece's National Microsatellite Program, which is funded through the "Greece 2.0" Recovery and Resilience Facility. The program is being implemented by the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts, with the support of the Hellenic Space Center (HSC) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The Hellenic Space Center (HSC) is Greece's national space agency, responsible for coordinating the country's space policy, supporting the development of its space sector, and representing Greece in international space activities. Established in 2018, the HSC works under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence and collaborates closely with the European Space Agency (ESA), of which Greece has been a member since 2005. The HSC plays a central role in planning and implementing Greece's national space strategy. Its responsibilities include promoting satellite technologies, supporting research and innovation, strengthening the domestic aerospace industry, and encouraging participation by Greek companies and universities in European space programs. The agency also helps expand the use of satellite data in public services, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, and urban planning.

Particular emphasis has also been placed on the involvement of the Greek aerospace industry in the development of Hyperion GR-1. According to the announcement, the satellite was built with the participation of Greek companies and engineers, helping to strengthen domestic expertise and laying the groundwork for the development of exportable space technologies and services.

The Greek government has already outlined the next phase of its space strategy through the HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 program, with a total budget of €350 million. The initiative aims to significantly expand the country's capabilities in the space sector over the coming years.

The Greek Space Tech Forum 2026 (GSTF26) is one of Greece's leading events dedicated to the rapidly growing space sector, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, researchers, investors, startups, and European institutions. Held in Athens on 7–8 July 2026, the forum focused on strengthening Greece's role in the European space economy and advancing national capabilities in satellite technologies, Earth observation, artificial intelligence, defence and dual-use applications, climate resilience, and commercial space innovation.

Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou stated that "the launch of Hyperion GR-1 marks a new era for our country. We are acquiring another powerful tool that will enable us to use satellite data for the benefit of our citizens: to protect our forests and maritime areas, support precision agriculture, map both regulated and unregulated development, and make faster decisions during times of crisis.” He added that the launch forms part of a broader national strategy, referring to the recent unveiling of the HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 program, with a €350 million budget, which builds on the National Microsatellite Program. "Our goal is for technology to make the state more effective, the country more resilient, and the everyday lives of citizens better," he concluded.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Read also:

“Greece’s presence in space is now a reality” – Five Greek satellites launched as part of “National Small Satellite Program”

Greece’s National Small Satellite Program: 15 Microsatellites for Climate and Environmental Protection

Greece Takes a Leap into Space: Adrian Golemis Becomes the First Greek to Join ESA Astronaut Training Program

The post Greece Gains National Earth Observation Capabilities for the First Time appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Leading representatives of the political, business, and investment communities from Greece and abroad gathered in Athens on June 22 for the third consecutive year for the Growthfund Investor Summit 2026. Under the theme, "Navigating the New Geoeconomic Order: Greece as a Strategic Hub for Capital and Growth," the summit highlighted the opportunities emerging for Greece from the evolving global geoeconomic landscape. Discussions focused on the forces shaping the next chapter of growth for the Greek economy, spanning investments and strategic infrastructure, artificial intelligence, energy, innovation, and tourism.

Growthfund, the National Fund of Greece, is the asset manager of a major portfolio of state-owned enterprises (https://growthfund.gr/en/)

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis delivered the opening remarks, while Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas also spoke at the event. The summit concluded with an address by National Economy and Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis. Representatives of major international organisations and investment institutions also took part, including the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), along with executives from leading Greek and international corporate groups.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/en/  ,  https://www.naftemporiki.gr/english/ )

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis stated at the GFI Summit 2026, among others, that the Greek Innovation and Infrastructure Fund is now fully operational, with its first investment in digital infrastructure expected to be announced shortly. The Fund aims to mobilize more than €1 billion in investments over the next three years, while projects financed in the longer term are expected to reach €20 billion. He noted that the Fund, established under Law 5131/2024, forms part of a broader reform of Growthfund and its subsidiaries, supporting co-investments in strategic sectors and strengthening Greece’s development prospects. This is an instrument that has existed for years in most European countries but was missing from Greece. “Growthfund is no longer a vehicle serving the repayment of public debt; it is gradually being transformed into a major national development fund,” he said. Hatzidakis also highlighted the progress achieved by Growthfund and its subsidiaries in upgrading public services, improving the management of public assets, and accelerating investments in strategic infrastructure through the Strategic Contracts Unit.

Kostis Hatzidakis highlighted investors’ strong confidence in the Greek economy, noting that Foreign Direct Investment has exceeded €44 billion since 2019 and that Greece has recorded the highest increase in investment in the EU over the same period. He stressed that the country is increasingly attracting long-term capital and establishing itself as a stable and reliable investment destination.

He also announced the signing of the concession agreement for Kalamata International Airport with the consortium of Fraport, Delta Airport Investments, and PILEAS Holdings. The project is of particular importance for Messinia and the Peloponnese as a whole and is expected to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure and services, create jobs, and boost the local economy, while complementing the successful concession model already implemented at Greece’s 14 regional airports and soon to be extended to 22 smaller regional airports.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

Concession agreement for Kalamata International Airport

The panel “Scaling Up Greece’s Investments Pipeline” brought together Giannis Papachristou, CEO of Growthfund, Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of Europe at BC Partners, and Giovanni Callegari, Head of Economic Risk Analysis at the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). The discussion focused on investment opportunities emerging in Greece and Europe, the role of artificial intelligence, competitiveness challenges, and the conditions needed to create the next generation of business champions, against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and evolving global economic challenges.

Giannis Papachristou, CEO of Growthfund, highlighted Greece’s emergence as a pillar of stability and an increasingly important hub for energy, logistics, transportation, and digital infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean. He noted that the country’s EU membership, skilled workforce, and strategic location continue to strengthen its investment appeal, while estimating that an additional €15 billion in annual investment is needed to accelerate economic transformation.

Emphasizing Growthfund’s role in attracting capital, Papachristou said investors look for three key factors: credibility, speed, and a strong project pipeline. He pointed to strengthened corporate governance standards, including merit-based board appointments and performance-based management evaluation. He highlighted the contribution of Growthfund’s Strategic Contracts and Projects Unit, which has launched more than 850 tenders, awarded projects worth €2.5 billion, and built a pipeline approaching €10 billion. Papachristou also pointed to the successful listing of Athens International Airport and the improved performance of Growthfund’s portfolio companies, with eight out of ten now profitable. Looking ahead, he said Growthfund is shifting its focus from successful divestments to strategic investments in sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure. He also highlighted the Invest10 initiative, developed with McKinsey, which identified 30 mature investment opportunities from an initial review of around 100 sectors. The next step is to select ten fully investable projects to be presented to the international investment community.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/ )

A Memorandum of Understanding between Growthfund and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) was signed as part of Growthfund’s conference. Giannis Papachristou said that Greece has all the conditions to significantly strengthen its position in the global meetings and exhibitions industry. He highlighted the country’s strong brand, strategic geographic location, highly skilled workforce, and rich tourism experience, as well as a unique cultural legacy spanning more than 40 centuries.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, described the Pharos AI Factory as a tool capable of creating real value, speaking at Growthfund’s Investor Summit 2026. He noted that the initiative will serve as an open hub for artificial intelligence in Greece. “We are not simply building a supercomputer. We are building the country’s capacity to develop, test, and deploy AI solutions with a Greek footprint and in line with European standards,” he said, outlining the structure of the Pharos AI Factory, which is being developed in Lavrio around Greece’s first national supercomputer, Daedalus. Papastergiou added that “Daedalus is only the beginning,” emphasizing that the ecosystem of training, access, and expertise being built around these infrastructures will be expanded through new facilities currently being developed by GRNET in Kozani. “Artificial intelligence requires talent, and Greece has an abundance of it. It also requires data, which is why we recently made available 22,000 open, high-quality datasets through data.gov.gr, as well as the necessary infrastructure,” said Papastergiou, emphasizing the importance of AI for productivity, competitiveness, and the country’s long-term development prospects.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Christos Dimas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, speaking at the Growthfund Investor Summit 2026, emphasized that strengthening supply chain resilience, facilitating international trade, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and safeguarding the free and secure movement of people and goods are key priorities for Greece. Describing Greece as a “bridge of stability connecting Europe, the Balkans, the Black Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East,” Dimas highlighted recent efforts to advance regional connectivity. He noted that, during a meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania reaffirmed their commitment to completing the Black Sea–Aegean axis as part of the Baltic–Black Sea–Aegean (BBA) Corridor. He also said he held discussions with representatives from the Western Balkans, Moldova, Ukraine, as well as investors and financial institutions, on accelerating the infrastructure projects needed to ensure the smooth and profitable operation of the Western Balkans–Eastern Mediterranean corridor.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance, announced the renaming of Growthfund to the National Development Fund, describing it as both a symbolic and substantive reflection of Greece’s transformation beyond the crisis years. He said the organization’s mission is now to convert public assets into productive capital, mobilize investment, and support long-term economic growth. “The time is now,” Pierrakakis stressed, calling on Greece to invest, accelerate reforms, and seize new development opportunities.

Pierrakakis said Growthfund’s transformation marks a shift from crisis management to a strategic development role, acting as a catalyst for investment and long-term growth. He noted that Growthfund currently manages assets worth approximately €12.3 billion, with a portfolio of 23 subsidiaries and holdings, operations across 11 strategic sectors of the economy, and more than 25,000 employees within its companies. These assets span critical national infrastructure in energy, transport, logistics, real estate, and networks. Growthfund provides the institutional framework needed to align investments, infrastructure, productivity, and public administration reforms into a coherent engine for long-term economic growth.

Pierrakakis said this is precisely Growthfund’s strategic role: to mobilize capital, mature projects, and accelerate investment in key sectors of the economy. He highlighted the Invest10 initiative, developed jointly by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, Growthfund, and McKinsey, which identifies priority sectors on both emerging industries—such as semiconductors, data centers, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and high-tech startups—and established strengths, including infrastructure, energy, logistics, agrifood, medical tourism, and the “silver economy.” He also stressed that competitiveness depends on concrete factors such as energy costs, financing access, licensing speed, logistics efficiency, and productivity, with Growthfund positioned at the center of these dynamics as Europe advances integration in capital markets, energy, and infrastructure.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

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Greece continues to make significant progress in its digital transformation, as reflected in two leading international assessments by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission. The latest reports confirm improvements in public digital services, the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and the country’s steady progress toward achieving the objectives of the Digital Decade 2030.

OECD (2026), Digital Government Outlook. According to the OECD’s Digital Government Outlook 2026 report, Greece ranks among the countries demonstrating strong performance in the digital transformation of public administration, achieving an overall score of 0.71, compared with the OECD average of 0.70. Greece’s performance surpasses that of several advanced economies.

Greece also outperforms the OECD average across four key indicators:

User-Driven: 0.77 vs. 0.71

Government as a Platform: 0.75 vs. 0.71

Proactiveness: 0.70 vs. 0.67

Open by Default: 0.63 vs. 0.59

The report highlights several flagship initiatives, including the Interoperability Center of the Ministry of Digital Governance, gov.gr with more than 2,250 digital services, the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hellenic Cadastre, the digital assistant mAigov, and the new national open data portal data.gov.gr. These initiatives underscore Greece’s commitment to modernizing public administration, improving service delivery, and fostering greater transparency and accessibility through digital technologies.

European Commission’s Digital Decade 2026 Report

According to the European Commission’s Digital Decade 2026 Report, Greece continues to consistently implement its national strategy for the digital transformation of public administration and is steadily converging with the broader European Union digital agenda. The country addressed 83% of the European Commission’s recommendations, maintaining its steady progress toward achieving the Digital Decade targets throughout 2025. Public digital services for citizens reached 79.4% in 2025, while digital services for businesses rose to 86%, exceeding national projections of 76.2% and 84.4%, respectively.

Particularly strong performance is evident in digital infrastructure. 5G network coverage now reaches 99.5% of the population, effectively approaching the national target of 100% by 2030 and significantly surpassing the 2025 projected milestone of 90%. Similarly, coverage in rural and island areas has reached 99%, making a substantial contribution to reducing geographical disparities in digital connectivity. At the same time, Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) and Very High Capacity Networks (VHCN) are expanding at an annual growth rate of 29.7%, more than five times the European average. From virtually zero coverage in 2019, Greece has increased FTTP and VHCN coverage to 59.8%, exceeding the projected 2025 benchmark of 51% and reaffirming its steady trajectory toward universal coverage by 2030.

The European Commission’s report also highlights Greece’s strengthened geostrategic role as a digital hub for Southeastern Europe, driven by investments in submarine cable systems, international telecommunications infrastructure, and data centers. At the same time, the implementation of the country’s national data governance policy and the new National Cybersecurity Strategy are enhancing the resilience, reliability, and security of Greece’s digital infrastructure. The report further underscores Greece’s growing presence in advanced technologies. Key initiatives include the establishment of the “Pharos” AI Factory, one of the first seven AI Factories in the European Union, Greece’s participation in European initiatives for quantum infrastructure, and the creation of the Hellenic Microchip Competence Centre, aimed at strengthening expertise and innovation in semiconductor technologies.

The “Pharos” AI Factory

The Hellenic Microchip Competence Centre

(Source: 2026 digital decade eHealth indicator study. Annex : country factsheets )

Digital health

The country’s progress is also evident in the field of digital health. According to the eHealth Indicator Study 2026 by Capgemini Invent, Greece recorded one of the largest annual improvements in Europe, with its composite digital health index increasing by 20 percentage points in a single year to reach 94%, compared with an EU average of 87%. With this performance, Greece ranks among the leading EU member states in digital health.

The progress reflected in international assessments is accompanied by areas where Greece is expected to accelerate its efforts further. The Digital Decade 2026 Report identifies the strengthening of digital skills as a key challenge for the coming years. Currently, 51% of citizens aged 16–74 possess at least basic digital skills, compared with 60.4% across the European Union. The report also highlights the need to further expand the pool of professionals in information and communication technologies (ICT) and to accelerate the digital transformation of businesses. At the same time, the report acknowledges that Greece is advancing at a faster pace than the European average in several critical areas, including fiber-optic deployment, public digital services, electronic identification (eID), access to electronic health records, and the adoption of advanced digital technologies. These achievements confirm that Greece is steadily converging with the European Union’s digital standards and objectives.

Observed Key Performance Indicators as Percentage of the EU 2030 targets. The graphs represent the observed Key Performance Indicators in Greece as a percentage of the EU 2030 targets.  (Source: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/factpages/greeces-2026-digital-decade-country-report )

(Source:https://www.amna.gr/mobile/article/1002163/Diethnis-anagnorisi-gia-ton-psifiako-metaschimatismo-tis-Elladas-,  https://www.mindigital.gr/ ) 

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Speech by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the “AI Impact Summit”, at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition Centre, New Delhi, 19.2.2026

Memorandum of Understanding Between Greece and AI Company ElevenLabs for Digital Government

Greece’s “Pharos”: A landmark proposal for Europe’s AI Factory Initiative and for the creation of a Greek Large Language Model

DAEDALUS Supercomputer Enters Final Implementation Phase

The post Greece’s Digital Transformation Receives International Acclaim appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Energy security and resilience in the Eastern Mediterranean were at the core of the meetings held by the Greek delegation, led by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, during its visit to the United States. Cooperation among the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean—through the 3+1 platform (cover photo), the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, and the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum—appears to be gaining momentum, taking on a more concrete form, and establishing clear rules for the region. This is the first time that energy diplomacy has moved beyond the narrow boundaries of economic transactions and begun to carry significant geopolitical implications. In this new energy landscape, Greece aspires to play a decisive role as an anchor of stability.

10^th Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF)

The 10^th Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) was held on June 8 at the headquarters of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., under the chairmanship of Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou and hosted by the United States Department of Energy and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. Participants included Michalis Damianos, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus; Karim Badawy, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Saleh Ali Al-Kharabsheh, Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources; heads of delegations from the governments of Israel, Italy, and Palestine; as well as representatives of the European Union and the World Bank.

The meeting took place nearly three years after the previous ministerial session, during which Greece assumed the Forum’s presidency. It is particularly significant because the EMGF remains only forum that brings together the governments of Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, alongside its permanent members - Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, and France - and its observers: the European Union, the United States of America, and the World Bank. The crisis in the Middle East had led to repeated postponements of meetings. Nevertheless, the importance of energy security in the region and the protection of energy infrastructure brought all member states back to the table.

According to the joint communiqué, the participants “discussed ways in which member states can leverage the EMGF to promote the development of interconnected and resilient energy systems in the Eastern Mediterranean, founded on natural gas, while also highlighting the region as a strategic energy corridor linking the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.” At the same time, the participants emphasized their renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Forum, with full respect for the rights of member states over their natural resources in accordance with international law. They also pledged “to promote constructive cooperation aimed at enhancing energy security and the resilience of energy systems, while also highlighting the interdependence between natural gas and electricity networks at a critical juncture.”

As of August 1, Israel will assume the presidency of the EMGF following a unanimous decision supported by the votes of Jordan and Palestine. Sources at the Ministry of Environment and Energy stressed that energy cooperation transcends the region’s troubled past and present, while Mr. Papastavrou stated that “we are building a framework of cooperation with full respect for international law, based on mutually accepted principles and commercial rules that strengthens stability and discourages unilateral and revisionist behavior.”

Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum

The Eastern Mediterranean took center stage on Wednesday during a panel discussion on the future of European energy resilience, held as part of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum. Focusing on the shared priorities of Greece and Cyprus regarding interconnections and energy security, the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou  outlined the region’s emerging energy architecture, with Greece at its center, and highlighted the government’s efforts to achieve greater energy independence.

A key element of this energy architecture is the Vertical Gas Corridor, which strengthens energy security across Southeastern and Central Europe by creating a community of 100 million people and a network of interconnected infrastructure that supports both European and transatlantic energy resilience. The framework established by the East Mediterranean Gas Forum helps foster cooperation and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. It provides a platform that advances the region by promoting collaboration rather than competition.

Great Sea Interconnector (GSI)

GREGY Interconnector

The Greece–Cyprus–Israel triangle, on the one hand, and its expansion into a quadrilateral with the participation of the United States—known as the “3+1” framework—has highlighted the strategic value of regional partnerships. Major projects such as the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) and GREGY Interconnector are shaping an integrated energy ecosystem that extends beyond national borders.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

At the same time, the major diagonal of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is taking shape. This ambitious connectivity project aims to link India with Europe through the Middle East by leveraging ports, rail networks, highways, and digital infrastructure. “Thus, the Eastern Mediterranean—and our country in particular—is, in reality, at the center of this new geometry,” the Minister remarked. At the same time, emerging initiatives such as IMEC and Greece’s cooperation with the United States are creating a broader global framework, underscoring Greece’s role as a gateway connecting Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and even wider regions.

The “3+1” energy cooperation framework

The Greek delegation also traveled to Houston, where it participated in the 2^nd ministerial meeting of the 3+1 energy cooperation framework, which brings together Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States. Interconnection projects once again featured prominently in the discussions, alongside joint initiatives aimed at strengthening—and potentially expanding—regional cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on cybersecurity and the protection of critical energy infrastructure. The participants also agreed to establish a dedicated task force to address these issues. Stavros Papastavrou stressed that “the weaponization of energy is not acceptable in the region,” while U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasized that “cooperation through trade prevails over conflict.” This is expected to form a new doctrine of cooperation and serve as the cornerstone of an emerging energy mosaic that excludes no one—except provocations and unilateral claims in the Eastern Mediterranean. In this context, the participants also agreed to hold their next meeting in Israel in December 2026.

A new geopolitical reality is now taking shape, with cooperation at its core as a necessary prerequisite. States that are unable or unwilling to adapt to these new conditions and the commercial rules that increasingly shape international relations risk choosing a path of isolation. All participants in the 3+1 framework endorsed this view as a fundamental principle, with the message of unity and shared objectives emerging as the dominant theme of the meeting.

Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou addresses the EMEC founding declaration signing ceremony at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston, Texas, describing the moment as historic. (Photo: Environment and Energy Ministry)

The East Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC)

With the prevention of any weaponization of energy as its guiding principle, the signing of the declaration establishing the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC) followed at Rice University. The declaration was signed by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, Cyprus’s Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michalis Damianos, and Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter. Senior executives from major U.S. energy companies participated in the ceremony following the signing of the declaration, including representatives of Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Cheniere Energy.

Greek Minister, Stavros Papastavrou, in cooperation with U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, brought the discussion on establishing the Center back to the forefront. The shared commitment to advancing energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean, expressed during the P-TEC meeting held in Athens in November 2025, was followed by the Greek minister’s visits and consultations in the United States in both March and June 2026. The latter visit culminated in the signing of the declaration that formally launches the establishment of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC).

The aim of the Center is to serve as a platform for strengthening regional energy security, expanding infrastructure development, and promoting commercial opportunities. With the support of Congress, the Center will enhance the economic and energy resilience of regional partners by facilitating investment, improving market integration, and supporting the development of advanced energy systems and infrastructure. Its activities will focus on increasing cross-border energy trade, improving system reliability, and positioning U.S. companies to compete in high-value regional projects. Within this framework, the Center will seek to foster cooperation among the governments participating in the 3+1 framework, as well as technical and financial institutions, academia, and the private sector. It is now increasingly clear that the Eastern Mediterranean is set to assume a new role as a key pillar of stability and prosperity, while also strengthening the transatlantic relationship between Europe and the United States.

(Sources: https://www.amna.gr/, https://ypen.gov.gr/ )

Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce Holds Meetings in the United States on Energy Policy in the Eastern Mediterranean

A series of meetings and discussions on energy policy in the Eastern Mediterranean was organized in Washington, D.C., by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Greece) on the occasion of the 3+1 Energy Ministerial Meeting held in the United States. According to a statement by AmCham Greece, the discussions highlighted the growing role of Greece and Cyprus as regional energy hubs, as well as the potential for connecting Eastern Mediterranean energy resources with European markets.

In cooperation with the Atlantic Council, AmCham Greece organized the first Eastern Mediterranean Energy Business Forum, with the participation of AmCham Cyprus. The initiative took place within the framework of the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum and aimed to bring the perspective of the Greek business community into the discussions on the energy policy agenda of the 3+1 framework. The forum brought together government officials, business executives, and energy policy experts.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/ )

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“Energy Is Power of Security, Growth and Influence” says Minister Stavros Papastavrou

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The International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ) organized a two-day joint training program at the facilities of the School of Advanced Training and Professional Development (Continuing Education) of the Hellenic Police in Northern Greece in Veria, creating a shared training environment for media professionals and security personnel.

The initiative, supported by the OSCE and conducted under the scientific supervision of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, brought together representatives of the security services and media professionals, focusing on the exchange of best practices and a practical approach to crisis management. Its objective was to develop common practices and strengthen cooperation in the field during the coverage of crises and high-risk incidents. The training concluded with participants gaining practical tools and collaborative strategies for covering high-risk events safely and effectively.

(Photo: https://www.facebook.com/dkirmikiroglou )

Secretary General for Communication and Information, Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, addressing the trainees, noted, among others, that the joint training of journalists and security personnel brings together two professional communities that are often required to operate under conditions of tension, such as demonstrations and social mobilizations. Through this process, both sides gain a better understanding of each other's roles and needs.

He stressed that the ICSJ has successfully translated ideas and proposals into practical initiatives with tangible results, while highlighting the role of training and systematic cooperation in fostering a culture of mutual respect and a deeper understanding of each other's roles. The Secretary General further emphasized that the State consistently supports initiatives that strengthen the safety of journalists and promote institutional dialogue among all stakeholders, noting that safeguarding freedom of information is a fundamental prerequisite for the proper functioning of democracy.

Professor Nikos Panayiotou of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Director of the Peace Journalism Laboratory and Head of the ICSJ, stressed that this training forms part of a series of initiatives implemented since the establishment of the ICSJ. As he explained, these initiatives not only enhance the country's international profile but, more importantly, bring to the forefront of public discussion the issues facing journalists, particularly those related to their safety while carrying out their professional duties and fulfilling their vital role.

He noted that the initiative, implemented with the support of the OSCE, seeks to address a range of critical issues arising in the practice of journalism during crisis situations, with particular emphasis on relations and interactions with security forces. According to Professor Panayiotou, this issue has proven to be of major importance, as significant challenges have emerged over time that require meaningful responses and practical solutions. "Our goal is to provide solutions in the field, not theoretical approaches detached from reality," he said, while also expressing his satisfaction with the work carried out by the ICSJ. "We address the real challenges journalists face in their work and strive to tackle them through practical interventions and initiatives," he concluded.

Christos Frangonikolopoulos, Dean of the School of Economics and Political Sciences at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, referred to the importance of the training implemented by the International Center for the Safety of Journalists. As he noted, at a time when freedom of expression—and journalists' freedom in particular—faces significant challenges, initiatives that promote understanding and cooperation among all stakeholders are essential. The attacks and pressures faced by journalists, whether through social media or while covering events in conflict zones and other critical situations, make such initiatives all the more necessary, he emphasized.

He described the seminar as particularly important, as it helps inform the security services—and especially the Hellenic Police—about the framework within which journalists operate, their rights and responsibilities, and the unique conditions they face in carrying out their profession. At the same time, he stressed that free and independent journalism is a fundamental prerequisite for pluralism and diversity of voices in a democratic society. He added that state support and the cultivation of relationships based on mutual understanding between journalists and public institutions contribute to strengthening the journalistic profession.

The training concluded with the presentation of certificates of participation to all attendees by the Commandant of the School, Sofia Gaitanidou, and the Training Coordinator, Dr. Ilias Nikezis, Executive Director of the International Center.

(Source: “Veria: The International Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals Focuses on Crisis Coverage and Field Incident Management”,  https://www.amna.gr/ )

The International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ)has an educational and research focus. Regarding the educational focus, ICSJ utilizes the material and tools of the academic community and provides specialized training to journalists and media professionals. Regarding the research focus, the Center implements extended research on topics related to the safety of journalists and media professionals, both in war zones and in crisis, as well as threats against them, connected with everyday work, such as physical, legal, economic, freedom of expression and cyber security issues. In parallel, ICSJ aims to develop support tools, as well as a supportive network for journalists and media professionals that operate in war zones and crises. ICSJ acts under the scientific responsibility of the Peace Journalism Laboratory, Department of Journalism and Media, of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

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Greece Strengthens Global Efforts to Protect Journalists and End Impunity

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In its 2026 European Semester assessment, the European Commission concluded that Greece no longer suffers from Macroeconomic Imbalances, marking the country's removal from the corresponding monitoring framework for the first time since the Greek sovereign debt crisis began. The Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance described the development as a landmark achievement, underscoring its strong symbolic value and its tangible significance for the country's economic progress.

According to the ministry, this development carries significant historical weight. Following the decade of bailout programs (2010–2018), the Enhanced Surveillance regime (2018–2022), Greece's prolonged placement in the category of Excessive Macroeconomic Imbalances during 2019–2024, and its inclusion in the category of Macroeconomic Imbalances in 2025, the country is now returning to full European normality. The ministry adds that the significance of this development is even greater when considering that ten European Union member states are currently subject to excessive deficit procedures. This highlights not only the significant improvement in Greece's fiscal position, but also the fact that the economy's external imbalances and structural weaknesses have now been reduced to a level that no longer constitutes a systemic risk to the country's economic stability.

According to the Ministry, Greece's exit from the Macroeconomic Imbalances framework, the maintenance of fiscal surpluses, the continued reduction of public debt, improvements in the labor market, sustained progress in structural reforms, and the effective utilization of European funding instruments together paint the picture of an economy that has definitively moved beyond the conditions of the crisis era. These achievements, the Ministry notes, reflect an economy that continues to advance on a path defined by stability, credibility, and resilience, while strengthening its foundations for sustainable long-term growth.

More specifically, the European Commission notes in its assessment that vulnerabilities related to public and external debt have declined significantly in recent years. It highlights that sustained economic growth, fiscal surpluses, stronger bank balance sheets, and the implementation of reforms have played a decisive role in reducing the risks that had characterized the Greek economy for many years.

The Commission further emphasizes that:

• public debt is on a steady downward trajectory;
• external imbalances have been substantially reduced;
• banks have significantly strengthened their balance sheets;
• labor market conditions have continued to improve; and
• Greece has implemented a broad range of reforms in the business environment, labor market, and tax administration.

Strong Growth Despite an Uncertain International Environment

The Greek economy expanded by 2.1% in 2025, despite a period of heightened uncertainty for both the European and global economies. The European Commission forecasts that growth will continue at a rate of 1.8% in 2026, compared with an average of 0.9% for the Eurozone, reaffirming the resilience of the Greek economy.

Fiscal Surpluses and Strong Fiscal Performance

Greece recorded a General Government surplus of 1.7% of GDP in 2025, up from 1.3% of GDP in 2024.

According to the European Commission, this performance was driven by:

• restraint in current public expenditure;
• lower debt-servicing costs; and
• stronger tax revenue collection.

Greece achieved this result while simultaneously implementing reductions in social security contributions, increasing public-sector wages, and introducing targeted support measures for households.

Continued Debt Reduction at the Fastest Pace in Europe

Greece continues to record the fastest pace of public debt reduction in Europe, further strengthening the sustainability of its public finances and enhancing confidence in the country's long-term economic outlook. The European Commission projects a further significant decline in Greece's public debt ratio:

• 154.2% of GDP in 2024;
• 146.1% of GDP in 2025;
• 140.7% of GDP in 2026 (forecast); and
• 134.4% of GDP in 2027 (forecast).

In other words, Greece is expected to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio by nearly 20 percentage points in just three years. According to the Commission, this improvement is being driven by strong nominal economic growth and the continued generation of fiscal surpluses.

Recognition of Reforms and the Digital Transformation

The report places particular emphasis on the reforms implemented in recent years, highlighting their contribution to strengthening the Greek economy and improving public sector efficiency. Specific reference is made to:

• the digitalization of tax administration;
• the digitalization of customs controls;
• the development of digital compliance tools;
• the significant reduction in the VAT gap; and
• the overall improvement in tax compliance.

The European Commission also underscores the substantial progress Greece has made in modernizing its public administration. At the same time, it notes that public-sector wage expenditure amounted to 10.2% of GDP in 2025, remaining broadly in line with the European Union average of 10.3%.

Above the EU Average in the Implementation of European Programs

The European Commission finds that the implementation of Cohesion Policy programmes in Greece is progressing at a faster pace than the European Union average, both in terms of project selection and the disbursement of funds. At the same time, the Commission acknowledges the significant contribution of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in advancing investments and reforms that strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the Greek economy. These developments underscore Greece's ability to effectively absorb and utilize European funding, supporting sustainable growth and accelerating the country's economic transformation.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

OECD: Greek Economic Growth Remains Resilient

In its latest Economic Outlook, the OECD projects that the Greek economy will maintain strong growth momentum despite the uncertainty stemming from the crisis in the Middle East. Specifically, the OECD forecasts GDP growth of 1.9% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027, broadly in line with the 2.1% growth recorded in 2025.

According to the report, investments will be supported by increased disbursements from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which are expected to rise from 2.6% of GDP in 2025 to 4.4% of GDP in 2026. At the same time, consumption is projected to benefit from continued employment growth, reductions in personal income taxation, and measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the energy crisis, despite persistently elevated energy prices. The OECD also expects exports to strengthen gradually during the second half of 2026 as international demand improves.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

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The Greek shipbuilding industry is a sector that enters a new period of reconstruction and growth. This development is not coincidental. Geopolitical realignments, Europe’s increasing need for defense autonomy, the restructuring of global supply chains, and the search for new industrial drivers of growth are creating an environment in which Greece is seeking to reposition itself on the international shipbuilding map. (Cover photo: ONEX's shipyards in Syros).

At the center of this effort are the country’s three major shipbuilding hubs: ONEX’s shipyards in Elefsina and Syros, Skaramangas Shipyards, and Salamis Shipyards. A common feature of these initiatives is the development of strategic partnerships with major industrial groups from abroad, primarily from South Korea, Germany, and France, with the support of the United States within a broader strategic framework. These partnerships aim to strengthen the domestic industrial base, facilitate the transfer of expertise and know-how, promote the development of advanced technologies, and create a modern industrial ecosystem.

At Posidonia 2026, the ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group presented its comprehensive vision for the future of the shipbuilding industry, energy, maritime infrastructure, and emerging technologies. At the center of the Group’s presence were new shipbuilding projects, energy developments, offshore energy production solutions, the serial production of ONEX RAstar 2800 tugboats, as well as the advanced repair, conversion, and technical support services provided by ONEX’s shipyards in Elefsina and Syros. (Source: https://www.facebook.com/OnexElefsisShipyardsSA/ )

The heads of the three shipyards, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), describe a shared vision: transforming Greece into a regional hub for shipbuilding, defense manufacturing, ship repair and maintenance, and the construction of specialized high-value-added vessels. At the same time, they emphasize the importance of new investments in creating thousands of jobs, upgrading workforce skills, and strengthening the country’s industrial presence. At a time when Europe is seeking new production capabilities in the defense and industrial sectors, Greek shipyards are aiming to capitalize on the country’s comparative advantages: its maritime heritage, strategic geographic location, and extensive experience in one of the most important sectors of the Greek economy.

The common denominator across all three cases is that the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry is no longer viewed as an isolated industrial initiative, but rather as part of a broader national strategy that integrates the economy, technology, defense, and international competitiveness. The international partnerships already underway are creating the conditions for Greek shipyards to regain a significant position on the global stage, transforming a traditional sector of the economy into a major driver of growth for the decades ahead.

ONEX’s shipyards in Elefsina and Syros

ONEX's shipyards in Elefsina (photo amna.gr)

ONEX's shipyards in Syros

The most ambitious investment plan is being presented by ONEX through Project Trident, a €1.35 billion program that aims to establish a fully integrated production line for warships and submarines, with Greek participation exceeding 70% of the total project value. At the heart of the initiative is a strategic partnership with South Korean company Hanwha Ocean to develop capabilities for constructing advanced submarines and frigates. According to the investment plan, the first customer to join the frigate production line would receive its first vessel in 2031, while delivery of the first submarine is projected for 2034.

According to Panos Xenokostas, Chairman of the ONEX Group, the objective is to transform the shipyards of Elefsina and Syros into the “southern pillar” of the European shipbuilding industry. As he told ANA-MPA, the next stage of development is closely tied to the introduction of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence technologies, as well as the transfer of critical expertise that would enable Greece to acquire the capability to build submarines, frigates, and other complex naval vessels. At the same time, the program is expected to create up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to employment and domestic industrial production.

Skaramangas Shipyards

Skaramangas Shipyards (photo amna.gr)

Skaramangas Shipyards are also poised to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of the Greek shipbuilding industry. Within a short period following the resumption of their operations, the shipyards have expanded their activities in both the commercial and defense sectors. Particularly important are the partnerships with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Germany’s TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems). The agreement with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries focuses on the design and construction of surface vessels and is expected to strengthen the participation of Greek industry in future shipbuilding programs through the transfer of expertise and best practices from one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups. At the same time, the cooperation with TKMS is centered on the modernization of the Hellenic Navy’s submarine fleet, leveraging the German company’s extensive expertise in Type 214 submarines.

Within the framework of Posidonia 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Skaramangas Shipyards, represented by Miltiadis Varvitsiotis (right), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, represented by Kim Jae Rak (https://www.amna.gr/) 

The Chief Executive Officer of Skaramangas Shipyards, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, told ANA-MPA that the shipyards’ trajectory serves as an example of how the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry can be linked to the emerging needs of European defense and security. As he noted, Greece possesses the skilled workforce, geostrategic location, and maritime tradition required to play a leading role in the evolving European defense ecosystem. He added, the development of the shipyards is not solely about industrial production; it is also about creating expertise, generating added value, and fostering new employment opportunities that can have a multiplier effect on the Greek economy.

Salamis Shipyards

At the third pillar of the Greek shipbuilding industry, Salamis Shipyards are pursuing a strategy focused on specialization and participation in international defense supply chains. The company has already developed significant activity in supporting high-technology defense programs and is actively involved in the production of sections and components for naval vessels serving international customers. A notable example is its partnership with Naval Group under the FDI Frigate Program. Through this collaboration, Salamis Shipyards manufactures critical steel structures and ship sections for vessels destined for both the French Navy and the Hellenic Navy.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Salamis Shipyards, George Koros, believes that the Greek shipbuilding industry is facing a historic opportunity, driven both by geopolitical developments and by Europe’s efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy. As he emphasizes, the objective is not mass production but the development of high-value-added vessels for specialized markets. Within this framework, Salamis Shipyards are exploring the expansion of their activities into the construction of next-generation commercial vessels, with particular emphasis on LNG carriers and high-specification dry cargo ships. This strategy is directly linked to the energy transition and the growing global demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly vessels—a sector in which Greek industry is seeking to establish a stronger presence.

He further stresses that Greece today possesses all the necessary prerequisites to transform its maritime strength and geostrategic position into industrial value creation, with the shipbuilding industry evolving into one of the key pillars of the country's economic development.

Salamis Shipyards - FDI Frigate Formion Blocks Construction

(Source: “Greek Shipyards Invest in International Partnerships and Seek a Role in the European Defense Ecosystem” by Thanassis Papadis, https://www.amna.gr/ )

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