Government spokesperson and Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Pavlos Marinakis announced that there is, in principle, an agreement for a meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and farmers on Monday at 1:00 p.m. at the Maximos Mansion, on the condition that roads are open and remain open.

Speaking during the briefing of political editors, Mr. Marinakis clarified that the government’s basic condition is that farmers ensure unobstructed road traffic. He also stressed that participants in the meeting must not include individuals under investigation or people with delinquent behavior, and that the number of participants should allow the meeting to be functional and effective.

The government spokesperson said the government wants to hear what the “hard-core” farmers have to say, as well as the specific local problems they are facing. However, he made it clear that “there are no additional measures” beyond those already announced, noting that the current framework includes improvements to previous measures.

“If there are observations that can lead to technical solutions without fiscal cost, they can be accepted,” he said.

On representation and criticism

Mr. Marinakis defended the earlier meeting between the Prime Minister and representatives of 14 road blockades, rejecting criticism regarding a lack of representativeness.

“It was a highly representative dialogue. History is written by those who are present. If it were not representative, the rest would not be asking to meet the Prime Minister as well,” he said, describing claims to the contrary as “speculation” and “propaganda.”

On animal disease management

Responding to opposition criticism—specifically from PASOK MP Evangelia Liakouli—regarding the handling of sheep pox, Mr. Marinakis said there is no approved vaccine for sheep pox in Europe or Greece.

He noted that both Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the University of Thessaly have supported the application of existing policy rather than vaccination. He added that the competent EU Commissioner has characterized vaccination as a last resort, not a primary strategy.

Mitsotakis–Erdogan talks

Mr. Marinakis also confirmed that Athens is in contact with Ankara regarding a possible meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“The two teams are looking for a common date for the High-Level Cooperation Council, possibly within February. No date has been finalized yet,” he said.

He reiterated that Greece has one fundamental dispute with Turkey, while all other serious issues should be addressed through dialogue.

Government briefing highlights

Arrival of the frigate Kimon

The first of Greece’s new, state-of-the-art Belharra frigates has arrived in the country, with its official reception at sea taking place in the presence of the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic. The formal integration ceremony into the fleet will follow in the coming days.

The government stressed that the induction of the frigate Kimon, along with the three additional Belharra frigates to follow, constitutes a historic milestone for national defense, shaping the strongest Hellenic Navy Greece has ever had.

By the end of the year, the frigates Nearchos and Formion are expected to join the fleet, while in 2028, the current Belharra shipbuilding program will be completed with the addition of the fourth frigate, Themistocles, which will include 25% domestic industrial participation.

Economy: New 10-year bond

Greece raised €4 billion through the issuance of a new 10-year bond with a yield of 3.47%, down from 3.63% last year, despite rising European interest rates. Investor demand was unprecedented, reaching €49.5 billion from 330 investors—the largest order book ever recorded for a Greek bond issuance.

This issuance covers 50% of Greece’s borrowing needs for 2026 and is expected to reduce borrowing costs for the state, businesses, and citizens.

Railways and infrastructure

Parliament is voting on the ratification of a new agreement between the Greek state and Italian railway group Ferrovie dello Stato and its subsidiary Hellenic Train. The agreement activates the purchase of 23 brand-new trains, marking the largest land transport investment in Greece, worth €308 million.

For the first time since the Olympic Games era, Greece will acquire new—not refurbished—trains, with travel time on the Athens–Thessaloniki route expected to drop below 3.5 hours.

Employment and equality initiatives

A new €102 million program to support women’s employment is launching, aiming to subsidize the hiring of 10,000 unemployed women, with emphasis on mothers of children up to 15 years old.

Additionally, 14 Greek universities have joined an EU-funded program to promote gender equality, combat discrimination, and strengthen psychological support services.