Mitsotakis: “It is no coincidence that we chose today, May 9, Europe Day, for this event, because it symbolizes that the party founded by Konstantinos Karamanlis stands at the forefront of developments on our continent — at the forefront of national defense, strategic autonomy, a unified migration policy based on our Greek national positions, and initiatives that are already turning our country into an energy hub of international and European strategic importance, especially here in the north, where there have been plenty of empty promises,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said at the start of his speech at the 6th Pre-Conference of Thessaloniki titled “Strong Greece.”

Mitsotakis: The fence at Evros is a symbol of sovereignty

The prime minister referred to the fence at Evros, saying it is a symbol of sovereignty and border protection. “To whom should we apologize? To the SYRIZA MEPs who wanted European funding to be cut?” he said.

“Greece, under a New Democracy government, will never again become an unguarded vineyard.”

Mitsotakis: Calm waters mean free waters

The prime minister spoke about Turkey’s claims, without naming the country directly, saying that “calm waters” mean free waters governed by international law — waters that will always remain blue and peaceful, reflecting the colors of our flag and our sovereign rights. “With this policy, Greece grows stronger.”

Mitsotakis: We finally want a strong domestic defense industry

Greek companies should undertake at least 25% of the production involved in our procurement programs.

Mitsotakis: Defense and a strong Greece

The prime minister spoke about efforts to strengthen the Armed Forces, mentioning the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, Belharra frigates, the Greek-French defense alliance, and the “Achilles Shield.” “It is important that we produce our own modern weapons systems,” he said.

Mitsotakis: We are on the front line

New Democracy is at the forefront regarding common European Union defense, migration policy based on Greek positions, and energy policy — especially in Northern Greece, where there have been many empty promises. “We will speak through actions and tangible results.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the podium of the pre-conference

Nikos Dendias on the drone in Lefkada: We know what it is and roughly what it contains

“We know what it is and we roughly know what it contains. We have nothing to envy; we are creating the capabilities for our country to produce and equip the Navy with the most advanced drone and anti-drone systems currently available,” the minister said about the drone vessel spotted near Lefkada.

“I was in Portugal, which has the EU’s most advanced maritime drone center, so that we too can obtain the most modern technology available.”

Dendias: We are completely transforming the Armed Forces

The Minister of National Defence said that everything is changing in the Armed Forces.

“We are completely restructuring the Armed Forces. We have a new structure, strengthened military camps, changed the organization of units and their training, and reformed military service.”

“In a few days, for the first time in our history, we will have voluntary enlistment of women in the Armed Forces.”

“We created a new military service model with a period of serious training in all modern capabilities.”

“We are transforming the Navy and the Air Force (…) At the beginning of 2028, we will receive the first F-35, the most advanced aircraft in the history of the planet.”

“The Belharra frigate, as we have ordered and upgraded it, is the most modern and powerful ship in its class anywhere in the world.”