Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the importance of cooperation between Greece and Japan in shaping developments in global shipping, safeguarding free trade and protecting economies and societies from the impact of international crises, in his address to the Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum  held on Friday, 16 October 2026, in Tokyo.

The Minister stressed that Greece and Japan, which together account for approximately 32% of the global merchant fleet, have the ability to shape developments in global shipping. He noted that although Greece represents just 2% of Europe’s GDP, it accounts for 20% of the global fleet, while Japan accounts for approximately 12%.

Commenting on international developments, Minister Kikilias noted: “We have wars in the heart of Europe and in the Middle East, inflation, and high energy and goods prices. And right now, there is no prospect of an immediate end to the wars. Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy, yet it too faces problems, depending on how events unfold. We know that conditions will become extremely difficult. We therefore need to coordinate our efforts and engage in discussions and negotiations on global trade.”

He also noted that “so far, alternative fuels meet just 0.5% of global needs. We say that we will ultimately reach our goal, and we must take steps in that direction.”

Addressing representatives of the shipping industry, he highlighted that “the shipping industry, shipowners, shipbuilders, traders, everyone working in and around the sector, masters, engineers and seafarers are inseparably linked to society.”

On the historic ties between Greece and Japan, he stressed: “After the devastation of the Second World War, Greek shipowners had the courage to come here, to Japan, and invest in building their ships in Japanese shipyards. We are here to show that we deeply appreciate this country, respect its people and seek to bring our countries even closer together.”

Minister Vassilis Kikilias, held meetings in Tokyo with Japan’s Minister for Development Strategy, Minoru Kiuchi; Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kentaro Asahi; and Chairman of the Japan–Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group, Taro Kono. The meetings took place as part of his visit to Tokyo and focused on deepening bilateral relations, strengthening maritime cooperation, and discussing international developments affecting maritime safety.

During his meeting with Minoru Kiuchi, the two ministers expressed their concerns about the ongoing threats to maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz and their impact on international maritime trade. They also continued discussions initiated in Thessaloniki in September, during the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), regarding deeper cooperation in port logistics and shipbuilding. Shipbuilding has been included among the 17 sectors of strategic importance identified by the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Emphasising the shared values that unite the two countries and their commitment to international law, the two ministers reaffirmed their common determination to strengthen all aspects of their maritime cooperation, both bilaterally and within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where crucial negotiations on the energy transition of the shipping industry are taking place.

Mr Kikilias also met with Japan’s Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kentaro Asahi. During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the long-standing and deep-rooted maritime ties between Greece and Japan, which were forged in the aftermath of the devastation of the Second World War and have remained consistently strong ever since. These ties are reflected in the fact that Japan’s exceptionally high-quality shipyards remain a leading choice for Greek shipowners, who rank second in terms of shipbuilding orders.

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation in shipping and shipbuilding by promoting reciprocal investments. They also expressed interest in operational cooperation between their respective coast guards, as well as collaboration within the IMO.

They stressed that the current challenging geopolitical landscape inevitably affects the shipping industry and jointly condemned attacks against seafarers and international shipping. For his part, Mr Kikilias pointed out that these challenges, combined with the fact that sufficient alternative fuels for shipping are not yet available, make it necessary to ensure fairer treatment for LNG, the only truly viable transitional fuel.

He also underlined that managing this challenge entails a major responsibility, as it will determine whether global energy prices rise and, consequently, the extent to which people’s everyday lives and countries’ ability to remain competitive will be affected. For this reason, he emphasised the importance of further strengthening the existing channels of communication between the two sides on these issues.

Mr Kikilias also met with Taro Kono, Chairman of the Japan–Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group, who has previously served, among other roles, as Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defense and Minister for Digital Transformation. He also met with members of the group: Kiyoshi Odawara, Vice-Minister of Defense; Nobuhide Minirikawa; Daisuke Nishino; and Shin Tsuchida.

With regard to shipping, they agreed to pursue closer cooperation, given the long-standing relationship of mutual respect and appreciation between Greece and Japan and the contribution of the Greek-owned fleet to Japan’s energy supplies.

Source (text and photos): Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy

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The 2nd Quadrilateral Ministerial Meeting on Energy and Connectivity in Southeastern Europe concluded on October 6, in Belgrade, with the participation of Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

The meeting was attended by Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Handanović, North Macedonia’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Božinovska, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Iva Petrova, as well as the heads of the natural gas and electricity transmission system operators from the four countries.

The meeting followed the 1st Quadrilateral Ministerial Meeting, held in Athens last May at Greece’s initiative, reaffirming the four countries’ commitment to strengthening regional energy coordination. Discussions focused on enhancing energy security, diversifying energy sources and supply routes, developing energy interconnections, and further integrating electricity and natural gas markets.

Particular emphasis was placed on the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening its role as a reliable energy gateway to Southeastern and Central Europe and the Western Balkans. They welcomed Serbia and North Macedonia’s participation in the Corridor, as well as the forthcoming start of construction of the natural gas interconnector between the two countries.

The Ministers also discussed strengthening electricity interconnections and transmission networks, developing renewable energy projects, energy storage and pumped-storage hydropower, and further integrating the electricity markets of Energy Community contracting parties with the European Union’s single market.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the four countries reiterated their commitment to continued regional cooperation and to jointly enhancing energy security, connectivity and resilience across Southeastern Europe. Greece continues to play a pivotal role as an energy gateway and transit corridor to Southeastern and Central Europe and the Western Balkans.

Following the meeting, Mr Papastavrou stated:

“Our countries face the same major challenge every day: ensuring affordable and reliable energy for our households and businesses. Regional energy interconnection and cooperation are an integral part of this effort. Since our last meeting in Athens in May, significant progress has been made. On September 4 in Thessaloniki, 11 transmission system operators from nine countries in Southern and Central Europe agreed to expand the Vertical Gas Corridor to include Serbia and North Macedonia. This development is particularly significant following the European Union’s decision to phase out Russian natural gas, as Central Europe is expected to face a need to replace approximately 20 billion cubic meters of gas.

“Today, all the Ministers reaffirmed our strong commitment to expanding the Vertical Gas Corridor to include Serbia and North Macedonia. Its expansion increases the capacity to transport natural gas from Greece to Central Europe, providing additional supply routes. It strengthens Greece’s strategic role and demonstrates what we can achieve together.

“Meanwhile, specific projects in the electricity and petroleum products sectors are underway. It is therefore useful for us to meet regularly, potentially every six months, to monitor their implementation. The next meeting will take place in Sofia, where we will have the opportunity to assess progress on all these issues.

“For Greece, the significance of this initiative extends beyond the energy sector itself. Energy serves as a connecting link that brings our four countries closer together and fosters a new culture of cooperation, enabling us to address challenges jointly and promote shared solutions. Greece supports Serbia’s integration into the European energy system. Together with my Bulgarian counterpart, we will strongly support this effort at meetings of the European Union’s Energy Ministers.”

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continued regional cooperation and to jointly strengthening energy security, connectivity and resilience throughout Southeastern Europe.

Source: Minister of Environment and Energy

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Greece’s official development assistance

Greece’s total bilateral and multilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) amounted to USD 357.81 million in 2025, equivalent to 0.13% of Gross National Income (GNI). Bilateral assistance amounted to USD 53.41 million, while multilateral assistance totalled USD 304.40 million.

Greece’s Bilateral Official Development Assistance

Greece’s total bilateral ODA in 2025 amounted to USD 53.41 million, of which USD 50.4 million was spent on refugees hosted in Greece.

Greece’s Multilateral Official Development Assistance

Greece’s total multilateral ODA in 2025 amounted to USD 304.04 million. Of this amount, USD 290.00 million was allocated to EU institutions for external development assistance, USD 10.90 million to organisations within the United Nations system, and USD 3.5 million to other international organisations.

Humanitarian Action

Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greece responded promptly to appeals for contributions to international organisations and/or their programmes, as well as to requests for bilateral assistance to countries affected by humanitarian crises. The following are some examples:

• On 17 January and 6 February 2025, aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force arrived in Jordan carrying medical supplies, clothing, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products. The aid was intended for the Gaza Strip and was to be delivered through the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO).
• On 9 August 2025, Greece took part in a Jordanian initiative to airdrop humanitarian aid to the population of the Gaza Strip. Two Hellenic Air Force aircraft dropped 8.5 tonnes of food and water.
• In November 2025, two shipments of humanitarian aid, comprising pharmaceutical products and medical supplies, were transported by sea and land to the Embassy of Greece in Damascus. The supplies had been collected by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Panhellenic Union of Pharmaceutical Industries (PEF) and the Human Plus organisation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs covered the transportation costs, and the supplies were delivered to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch to support the hospitals it assists.

Contributions to International Organisations, Programmes and Agencies

In 2025, Greece made ad hoc financial contributions on 25 separate occasions to international organisations and their programmes, with a particular focus on countries facing humanitarian crises and on international development cooperation programmes.

Reconstruction of Ukraine

Finally, Greece has pledged to contribute to Ukraine’s future reconstruction through public-private partnerships in the construction, healthcare and cultural heritage protection sectors, particularly in the Odesa region.

Source Photos: https://hellenicaid.mfa.gr/

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On September 9, 2026, a ceremony was held to mark the launch of the specialized “Life-Saving and Limb-Saving Hospitalization” programme at the Saint George University Medical Center (SGUMC) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut. Funded by Hellenic Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the World Health Organization (WHO), the programme forms part of a series of interventions carried out through the Embassy of Greece in Beirut to support Lebanon’s health sector.

In his address  His Eminence Metropolitan Elias Audi of Beirut, expressed his gratitude to the Greek Government, and particularly to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for this highly significant initiative, describing it as a supreme expression of human solidarity.

Similarly, the CEO of Saint George University Medical Center (SGUMC), Dr Ziad Haydar, expressed his deep gratitude for Greece’s continued solidarity with Lebanon and the SGUMC during particularly challenging circumstances, as well as for the excellent cooperation. He emphasized that these interventions contribute to strengthening the hospital’s operational and functional capacity as a center for emergency medical care, particularly for vulnerable groups within society.

For his part, the WHO Representative in Lebanon, Dr Ahmed Zouiten, praised the significant contribution of the Greek Government at a particularly critical juncture for Lebanon’s highly vulnerable health system, as well as the excellent cooperation with the Embassy of Greece in Beirut and the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Subsequently, in her remarks, the Ambassador of Greece to Beirut, Ms Despina Koukoulopoulou, referred to the long-standing relationship and cooperation, spanning several decades, with this emblematic and historic Lebanese hospital, which Greece had equipped with a helipad as early as twenty years ago. She also highlighted the assistance provided by Greece following the devastating explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020, in the form of medical supplies and financial support. The Ambassador stressed that today’s donation of €500,000 to Saint George University Medical Center (SGUMC), provided through Hellenic Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, forms part of Greece’s broader and long-standing commitment to Lebanon.

More specifically, cooperation with the WHO at SGUMC will implement a vital, tailor-made programme, “Life-Saving and Limb-Saving Hospitalization,” aimed at supporting essential hospital services and life-saving interventions, as well as upgrading the hospital’s medical equipment. By providing targeted and tangible assistance, Greece is helping to improve access for patients from the most vulnerable population groups to life-saving health services and, consequently, to strengthen Lebanon’s health sector.

It is worth noting that Greece’s contribution to the World Health Organization for Lebanon is of particular significance. According to the Head of the WHO Office in Lebanon, Dr Ahmed Zouiten, the amount of Greece’s voluntary contribution represents the largest voluntary funding contribution ever received by a WHO country office in its host country to date.

According to updated data from the WHO Office in Lebanon for 2026, following the payment of its contribution to the WHO Lebanon Office for Saint George University Medical Center and its commitment to supporting the launch of the Balamand Hospital in North Lebanon, Greece ranks first among the WHO’s donor countries in Lebanon and is the second-largest international donor overall, after the EU’s DG ECHO. The significance of Greece’s contribution is even greater when measured in relation to the GDP of international donors, in which regard Greece ranks unequivocally first. The above initiatives, undertaken in cooperation with the World Health Organization Office in Lebanon, form part of Greece’s broader engagement and contribution to Lebanon, with an emphasis on humanitarian solidarity and the development dimension, including the strengthening of institutions and public services and support for the country’s long-term resilience.

The event concluded with a visit to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (the only such unit in all of Lebanon). The programme’s coordinating director, representing the hospital, outlined the details of the selected interventions together with the heads of the respective departments.

[Source: Embassy of Greece in Beirut

Photo credit: Embassy of Greece in Lebanon / Facebook - @Greece in Lebanon]

Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs – “HELLENIC AID”

The General Directorate for Development and Humanitarian Aid, operating under the international title “HELLENIC AID,” serves as the national mechanism for development and humanitarian assistance and as the body responsible for planning and formulating development strategy. The General Directorate is responsible for promoting, managing and implementing the national policy on international development cooperation.

[Source: Hellenic Aid, Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO organized an event entitled “The Promotion and Implementation of UNESCO Flagship Programs in Greece: National Achievements and Significant Synergies”, as part of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

The event was addressed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yiannis Loverdos, and the newly appointed President of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, Dora Vyzovitou.

Mr Loverdos highlighted a number of recent achievements of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, most notably the proclamation of 9 February as World Greek Language Day, the inscription of Mount Olympus on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the inclusion of Nisyros in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

Mr Loverdos praised the work of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO and congratulated the outgoing President, Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, in recognition of her longstanding contribution. He also congratulated the newly appointed President, Dora Vyzovitou, and wished her every success in her new role.

The Deputy Minister further announced that the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO will host the next Meeting of the UNESCO National Commissions of Europe and North America, which will take place in Crete in May 2027. He noted that this constitutes another significant achievement, demonstrating the Commission’s ongoing efforts, while also providing an excellent opportunity for Greece to further contribute to international cooperation in the promotion of culture.

The Rector of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and Member of the Board of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, Professor Christina Koulouri, spoke about the enduring legacy of the Greek language and the major national achievement of the international organization’s establishment of World Greek Language Day.

Subsequently, Dr Charalambos Fasoulas, President of the Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark, presented the UNESCO Global Geoparks program. He highlighted Greece’s leading role in the program, with 10 UNESCO Global Geopark designations, supported by the expertise and assistance of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO.

For his part, Professor Dimitris Vergados, Head of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and the Utilization of Cultural Resources” at the University of Piraeus, presented the Chair’s most recent initiative: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipality of Didymoteicho in support of the city’s candidacy for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

The event concluded with a presentation by Ms Vera Dilari, National Coordinator for UNESCO Associated Schools at the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, on the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, which currently comprises 150 schools in Greece.

The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Charis Theoharis, the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myrogianni and numerous other guests.

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100 Years of TIF (1926–2026)

The 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, taking place from September 5 to 13, 2026, marks an exciting new chapter in its long and distinguished history. This landmark year celebrates both the 100th anniversary of its first edition and the beginning of a new era.

The Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) is held every September and, for a century, has been one of Greece’s leading trade and exhibition events, as well as a major institution for Southeast Europe. Dynamic and renewed, this year’s TIF continues to serve as a major hub for entrepreneurship, culture, innovation and international cooperation.

The presence of the country’s political and state leadership has established TIF as a key platform for announcing strategic priorities and public policies, while the participation of hundreds of exhibitors from Greece and abroad highlights its importance and international reach.

Its extensive program of cultural and entertainment events, designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, reinforces the Fair’s broader social and cultural role. At the same time, TIF makes a substantial contribution to the economic life of Thessaloniki and Greece as a whole, showcasing the country’s modern, outward-looking character. The Fair, first held in 1926, is today organized by HELEXPO.

90th TIF: Honored Country: Japan

This year’s ΤΙF welcomes Japan as its Honored Country, highlighting the country’s distinctive culture and its global reputation for quality, innovation and excellence.

Set within a contemporary and multifaceted exhibition environment, Japan will present its achievements, values, and distinctive identity, showcasing the harmonious interplay between tradition and innovation. Its participation seeks to offer visitors an immersive journey through Japan’s culture, technological excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative expression, qualities that have come to define the Land of the Rising Sun.

More than simply the practice of a profession, Takumi represents a lifelong dedication to the pursuit of perfection in one’s craft. It is grounded in expertise, precision, meticulous attention to detail, and human-centered design, values that lie at the heart of Japanese culture and are internationally recognized as benchmarks of quality and excellence.

The Greek and international audiences of this year’s TIF will have the opportunity to discover the unique Japanese “universe” through the philosophy of Takumi (Ta-ku-mi), a Japanese term meaning master or artisan. Rooted in the values of wisdom, empathy, and purpose, Takumi embodies a tradition of knowledge and craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation.

Japan’s participation is being coordinated the Embassy of Japan in Greece, which will support the participation of a broad range of Japanese companies and organizations. The initiative aims to further strengthen the political, economic, and business relations between the two countries.

Japan’s participation will showcase dynamic sectors including tourism, infrastructure, technology and innovation, the automotive industry, energy, and healthcare, highlighting the country’s diverse and forward-looking business landscape.

A rich program of parallel events will complement the Japanese participation, featuring educational activities, networking events, corporate presentations and a series of cultural programs. These activities will introduce the Greek public to Japanese art and tradition, as well as to contemporary Japanese creativity.

Exhibition “TIF 100 YEARS OF FUTURE”

The Thessaloniki International Fair takes on a special commemorative character this year, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its first edition in 1926. A century of continuous presence, development and contribution to the economic, business, social and cultural life of Greece provides the starting point for a unique exhibition that goes beyond a historical retrospective and instead turns its gaze towards the future.

In collaboration with MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art, TIF presents a specially curated exhibition from September 5 to November 1, 2026, exploring the TIF’s enduring connection with innovation, technological progress, and the major transformations that have shaped each era.

Through a rich collection of archival material, rare photographs, historical documents, audiovisual projections and contemporary storytelling techniques, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the defining moments of TIF’s century-long journey, the pioneering achievements that marked its history, and the vision shaping its future.

The historical journey culminates in the presentation of the major redevelopment project for the exhibition center, marking the beginning of the institution’s second century.

At this turning point in its renewal, a historic site is being transformed without severing its ties with the past. Instead, it carries its memory forward as it prepares to welcome what has yet to happen.

The exhibition is hosted at MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art, within the TIF premises, as one of the major commemorative events of this year’s Fair, creatively connecting the past, present and future.

Thessaloniki International Fair – A Historical Overview

The city of Thessaloniki has a long-standing tradition of hosting exhibitions and trade fairs. In many ways, the history of Thessaloniki can therefore be seen as running parallel to the history of the Fair. Against the backdrop of the interwar period, the idea of establishing the Thessaloniki International Fair emerged in 1925, just 12 years after Thessaloniki became part of the Greek state. The initiative was led by Nikolaos Germanos.

The preparation of the first TIF faced numerous and significant challenges. However, through the persistence of Nikolaos Germanos and the support of local institutions and economic forces, these obstacles were gradually overcome. Finally, on the morning of Sunday, 3 October 1926, the first Thessaloniki International Fair was inaugurated in a festive atmosphere. The event took place at Pedion tou Areos (Field of Mars), on the outskirts of the historic city center and only a few meters from the site of today’s Fair.

The first period of TIF’s operation, from 1926 to 1940, was a challenging one. The institution had to address numerous operational and organizational issues while also navigating significant rivalries and personal ambitions among the economic and political actors of the time. The primary objective of the Fair during its early years was to promote Greek industry and introduce the wider public to Greek products.

Through persistent efforts, these challenges were gradually overcome, allowing TIF to establish solid foundations and evolve into a major economic, political and social institution for Thessaloniki and Greece as a whole. Following the first major post-war Fair in 1951, which proved a great success, TIF entered a period of sustained growth, both in terms of the number of exhibitors and visitors, as well as official national participations.

Between 1951 and 1966, the number of visitors to TIF tripled, reaching an extraordinary 1,634,542 visitors in 1966. This figure was remarkable for the time, particularly considering that Thessaloniki’s population was approximately 300,000, while Greece’s total population stood at around 8.5 million. The year 1966 remains TIF’s all-time record for visitor numbers, a record that has stood to this day.

Following 1974, alongside the main Fair, which continued to take place every September, a number of specialized sectoral exhibitions were also developed. With a more focused industry orientation, these exhibitions attracted the interest of thousands of professionals from their respective sectors, further strengthening Thessaloniki’s position as a major exhibition and business hub.

Photo source: Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) — https://www.thessalonikifair.gr/en

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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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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/ ) 

Read also:

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

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