From Amorgos, where he presented the “Amorgorama” programme for sustainable fishing and the protection of the marine environment, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis began his weekly briefing, announcing initiatives in critical policy areas.

Referring to developments in the Middle East, following Trump’s peace initiative, the prime minister said that “the announcements made by Hamas are an important step. All hostages must be released immediately, hostilities must end, and humanitarian aid must be intensified.”

“We are in constant contact with allies and partners in the region. Greece stands ready to contribute to diplomatic efforts to end the war and to create a new sustainable governance structure for the Gaza Strip. The prospect of two states in the region, with real security conditions, must be kept alive as the only solution for lasting peace for the benefit of the entire region”, he added.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the 1.7 billion euro tax reform, the interventions to address the issue of poverty and the stabilization of energy prices. He also presented the new “charter” for the reorganization of the Armed Forces, the framework for legal immigration, data on the reduction of unemployment and programmes to support labour, health and education.

Mitsotakis referred to the reorganization of the military at the level of human resources, “along with the robust armament program, pay raises and the large housing program for military housing.” He spoke of the frigates, both from France and Italy, sending a message that these actions “constitute our patriotic response to those within the border who appear concerned and those outside the border who question our resolve.”

the legal immigration programs and actions to address immigration enforcement

He also referred to the actions on security in transport and the cultural master plans involving 15 cities and islands in the country.

Good morning.
Today began in Amorgos, where I met residents and leaders of the “Amorgorama” project — a major initiative promoting sustainable fishing, coastal cleanups, and the creation of three Marine Protected Areas. It’s an important step toward a more respectful relationship with our sea and environment.

Regional developments:
Hamas’s announcements mark progress, but all hostages must be released and hostilities must stop. Greece supports diplomatic efforts for peace and sustainable governance in Gaza. The two-state solution remains the only path to lasting peace.

Government measures:
The Council of Ministers approved a €1.7 billion tax reform benefiting over four million citizens — especially young people, families, pensioners, public employees, farmers, and professionals. Measures include tax cuts, housing support, ENFIA abolition in villages, VAT reductions, and zero tax for under-25s.
A new app (taxcalc2025.minfin.gr) lets citizens instantly calculate their gains. These reforms, together with wage and pension increases, return the economic surplus to society and help shield against inflation.
Energy prices have stabilized, with October electricity tariffs unchanged from September. Further announcements for energy-intensive businesses will follow.

Defense modernization:
We’re restructuring the Armed Forces — correcting rank imbalances, introducing a new pay and career system, upgrading military schools, allowing voluntary female enlistment, and tightening deferments. This, along with new frigates and housing programs, strengthens our defense and national confidence.

Migration policy:
Illegal arrivals are dropping thanks to new deterrence measures. The new legal migration framework simplifies worker admissions, attracts skilled personnel through “tech and talent” visas, and integrates asylum seekers into the labor market — ensuring Greece decides who enters and for how long.

Labor market:
Unemployment fell to 8.1% in August, with major declines across genders and age groups. A new €74 million program will subsidize the hiring of 5,000 unemployed people over 50. Nearly 20,000 new public-sector hires are approved for 2026 — doctors, nurses, firefighters, armed forces, and security staff.
Air traffic controller recruitment and the Civil Aviation Authority’s modernization continue under the European aviation plan.

Health:
From October 1, outpatient appointments in NHS hospitals are fully digital — bookable via 1566, MyHealth, finddoctors.gov.gr, or mobile. This adds 7 million appointments to the 3 million already available through EOPYY private doctors.

Diaspora and professionals:
A new AADE platform now allows expatriates returning to Greece to apply online for a 50% tax reduction. Another platform (myrequests.pis.gr) lets Greek doctors trained in the U.S. gain automatic recognition of their specialty.

Education:
The International Hellenic University has opened a second student residence in Sindos, Thessaloniki, housing 180 students free of charge — part of wider support for regional universities and students.

Social policy:
Visually impaired citizens with ≥80% disability are now fully exempt from medicine co-payments — a long-awaited measure of dignity and fairness.

Public safety:
The “Ariadne” plan for transport security has reduced crime on public transport by 60%, with over 91,000 checks and 1,500 arrests in 2025.

Culture:
New Cultural Master Plans for 15 cities and islands (from Ikaria to Thessaloniki) map local creative forces and guide cultural growth tailored to each region’s identity.

These were the highlights of the week. See you next time, have a good day!