In his regular Sunday post summarizing the past week, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis extensively referred to the crisis in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister spoke of “serious consequences for security and stability, both regionally and globally,” as “the risk of further escalation is dangerously increasing.”

Mr. Mitsotakis also referred to his phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he stressed that “Iran must not acquire a nuclear arsenal,” while “emphasizing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.”

The Prime Minister also discussed:

• Changes to the Highway Code to enhance road safety.
• The launch of free home delivery of high-cost medications.
• European certification of the Saint Savvas Cancer Hospital.
• Energy upgrades of seven hospitals through EU funding.
• New investments in tourism.
• Expanded housing programs for people with disabilities.
• Progress in the out-of-court debt settlement mechanism.
• The growth of the IRIS digital payments system.
• The digitization of the Hellenic Cadastre.
• The introduction of the Personal Identification Number.
• Public servants’ training in Artificial Intelligence.
• The launch of the digital museum Greek Art Now.

Detailed Statement:

“Another crisis has erupted in our region—yet another crisis in an already burdened and volatile geopolitical landscape. The likelihood of further escalation is dangerously increasing, with serious consequences for security and stability, both regionally and globally. Developments in the Middle East are of great concern.

From the outset, the Greek state has stood by Greek citizens in Israel and Iran, providing every possible assistance. We are closely monitoring the situation. Now, more than ever, restraint and calm are required.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to reiterate our positions to my Israeli counterpart, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, during a phone conversation. I stressed that Iran must not acquire a nuclear arsenal. However, the solution can only be diplomatic. I strongly emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid.

Greece remains vigilant regarding its citizens in the region. We will continue working with partners and allies for peace, security, and stability.

Moving on to our weekly review:

First, the new Highway Code, which focuses on prevention and changing driver behavior. As I said in Parliament: we cannot compromise with lawlessness and chaos on the roads, which tragically end lives and devastate families.

The new code includes stricter penalties for frequent and dangerous violations: speeding, running red lights, driving under the influence or while using a mobile phone, and not wearing helmets on motorcycles. We are also introducing the concept of repeat offenses. Soon, a unified digital system for issuing fines, using over 2,500 cameras, will be implemented, with penalties corresponding to the severity of the offense. However, these measures alone are not enough—we must also change our driving culture.

At the same time, we are improving public transportation fleets in Athens and Thessaloniki and launching a pilot 24-hour Metro and Tram service on Saturdays to help especially younger citizens avoid driving after consuming alcohol. The bipartisan support of this bill shows a shared commitment to road safety. We cannot continue to mourn hundreds of victims each year; it is our duty to change this reality.

Consistency between words and actions remains our guiding principle.

I am pleased that another of our commitments is becoming reality: free home delivery of high-cost medications to patients who request it, reducing their wait times at public pharmacies. Applications opened Thursday via eopyy.gov.gr, public pharmacies, and the call centers 18181 and 2108110500. From June 16, eligible patients will be able to receive their medication at home, at a local pharmacy, at work, or even at their vacation home within 24 to 48 hours.

We have also hired 25 additional pharmacists and implemented an online appointment system to minimize waiting times at pharmacies. I would like to once again congratulate those who worked systematically to make this important new service possible.

Important news also comes from Saint Savvas Cancer Hospital, which has successfully completed accreditation by the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), one of the most demanding quality standards in Europe. This is a great achievement not only for the hospital but for our National Health System as a whole. Congratulations to the doctors, nurses, and staff who have reached this high standard. Our efforts to strengthen public health—with personnel, resources, and modern infrastructure—are ongoing.

In the same vein, we are upgrading key hospital facilities across the country. Seven major hospitals have been included in the 2021–2027 EU funding program for energy upgrades and use of renewable energy: Hippocrateio, Pammakaristos, and G. Gennimatas in Athens, Tzaneio in Piraeus, AHEPA and G. Papanikolaou in Thessaloniki, and the General Hospital of Messinia in Kalamata. These energy-intensive buildings require year-round heating and cooling; for example, annual energy costs at Hippocrateio alone reach €783,500. The “greening” of these hospitals will result in substantial savings that can be redirected to patient care.

Through EU funding, 1,573 investment plans for new SMEs in tourism have also been approved, totaling €295.7 million in public spending across 11 regions. Combined with earlier approvals for Attica and the South Aegean, total funding has reached €379 million for 2,021 applications. These investments support regional activity, create jobs, and strengthen tourism—a cornerstone of our economy.

We are also expanding housing support programs for citizens in need.

We are broadening the participation of people with disabilities in the “My Home II” housing program. Beneficiaries with at least 67% disability, or dependents with the same level of disability, can now select newer properties built up to December 31, 2020, instead of the previous 2007 limit. They will have access to modern housing that meets new construction standards and accessibility criteria. We are also granting a 60-day extension for completing loan agreements.

The out-of-court debt settlement mechanism is also proving highly effective.

In May alone, 10,870 applications were initiated—more than double the previous monthly average. There were 1,672 new settlements in May, covering debts totaling €602.7 million. To date, 36,572 successful arrangements have been made, totaling €12.17 billion in restructured debt. With expanded income and asset criteria, more middle-class citizens are now eligible for fair and practical solutions.

Another success story is the IRIS instant payments system.

Greece now has one of the highest adoption rates of instant fee-free payments in the Eurozone. In 2020, IRIS payments totaled €51 million; by 2024, that figure has risen to €6.4 billion. In 2025, mid-year figures already show 3.8 million users and over 565,000 freelancers and small businesses utilizing the service.

By the end of June, the daily transaction limit will double to €1,000, and by October 31, IRIS will be available to all businesses. This 100% Greek payment system demonstrates how Europe can achieve strategic autonomy in financial technology.

Next, the Hellenic Cadastre is entering a new digital era.

The Digital Real Estate Transfer File is now fully operational through akinita.gov.gr, enabling citizens and notaries to digitally process property transfers, donations, and inheritances. Since its pilot launch, 1,838 property transactions have been completed, often within just one business day. Even complex cases are typically resolved within four days. By the end of 2025, the Cadastre will be fully digitized, offering a modern, efficient, and transparent service.

We continue to reduce bureaucracy and simplify citizens’ lives.

One example is the new Personal Identification Number. In just two weeks, over 320,000 citizens applied via myinfo.gov.gr. The system allows users to view and correct discrepancies across registries automatically, without declarations, appointments, or delays. Already, 96,297 corrections have been processed effortlessly.

We are also training public servants in Artificial Intelligence.

So far, 9,087 civil servants have received training through a joint initiative with Google and the National Center for Public Administration. For the first time, public employees are developing skills in data analysis and automation, modernizing the state’s human capital.

Finally, a cultural highlight: the launch of the “Greek Art Now” digital museum.

Available for free on Google Arts & Culture, this project—supported by the Ministry of Culture and featuring the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST), MOMus, and the National Gallery—allows global audiences to explore contemporary Greek art and discover renowned works such as those from the Kostakis Collection. Over 60 digital exhibitions and 1,800 high-resolution works are now just a click away. Greece is not only its glorious past but also a modern creative force forging new paths in culture.

That concludes this week’s review. We focus on the positive and keep working on the rest. We continue. Have a good Sunday!”