Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reiterated that the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum cannot invalidate the rights of Greek islands, emphasising the importance of international law and Greece’s strong deterrent capabilities in his regular Sunday review of government initiatives.

Following his visit to New York and his chairing of a United Nations Security Council meeting, Mr Mitsotakis said the agreement could not override the rights of the Greek islands, stressing the need to defend Greece’s sovereign rights.

In his post, the prime minister also highlighted the extension of fuel subsidies until 15 November, a new home renovation programme offering grants of up to €36,000, cheaper agricultural diesel available directly at the pump, and the recovery of more than €323 million in state aid from investment projects that were never completed.

He also referred to the creation of new marine parks, the strengthening of the armed forces with the second Belharra-class frigate, Nearchos, and measures to protect workers. He concluded his review with initiatives aimed at showcasing Thessaloniki’s historical and cultural identity.

The full post

“Good morning, and happy new month to everyone! We have entered November and, for those already counting down, Christmas is now a little closer. For the more realistic among us, of course, we still have two months and plenty of work ahead. Whichever category you belong to, I hope you can find a few minutes for our Sunday review.

“Returning from New York, where I chaired the United Nations Security Council meeting on maritime security, I have been reflecting on how directly the issues discussed in international diplomatic chambers are linked to the security and future of every Greek family.

“For a country like ours, given Greece’s history and geography, peace and respect for international law are prerequisites for progress and for being able to plan our lives with confidence and a sense of purpose.

“That is why, from the United Nations podium, I once again explained why the illegal Turkey-Libya memorandum cannot erase the rights of our islands. Behind the lines on maps are people, living communities, history and a future. It is our responsibility to defend them with consistency, strong deterrent capabilities, alliances and well-founded arguments, always on the basis of international law.

“With confidence, without grandstanding. With determination, without closing the door to dialogue. Because a strong Greece is one that effectively defends its interests, contributes to peace and creates conditions of security and opportunity for future generations.

“But now, let’s turn to this week’s news:

1. Fuel subsidies extended until 15 November

“We are extending fuel subsidies until 15 November, providing 20 cents per litre for heating oil, 15 cents for diesel and 10 cents for petrol.

2. More than €323 million in state aid to be recovered

“More than €323 million in state aid is being recovered following the removal of 141 investment projects under the 2016 Development Law from the programme, as they were never completed. This follows inspections by the Ministry of Development covering a total of 572 investment projects, while checks are continuing on projects covered by earlier development laws.

3. Applications open for new home renovation programme

“Applications have opened for the new ‘Home Renovation’ programme, which enables low- and middle-income households to renovate their homes with grants covering between 70% and 95% of costs, up to €36,000, plus up to €2,500 for support services.

“The first phase concerns vacant homes, so they can be brought back into use by their owners or rented out. The programme will subsequently be extended to occupied properties.

“Applications can be submitted at anakainisi.tee.gov.gr until 11 January 2027, provided an Eligibility Certificate for the property has first been secured.

4. Cheaper diesel for farmers directly at the pump

“From today, our farmers can buy cheaper diesel directly at the pump, without having to wait for a tax refund. The saving amounts to 50.84 cents per litre, and all they need is a digital voucher from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue’s (AADE) myDiesel app. The quantities they are entitled to are also increasing by 50% compared with last year.

“There was also important news from Brussels, with a political agreement on the new Common Agricultural Policy. It provides greater support for young and small-scale producers and more flexibility to address the particular needs of Greek agriculture. Negotiations over funding, however, are continuing.

5. Progress on new marine parks

“Following the submission to the Council of State of the presidential decree for the South Cyclades National Marine Park, we are now moving forward in the Ionian Sea as well.

“The Special Environmental Study for 22 Natura 2000 sites has been approved, covering areas from Othonoi and Corfu to Zakynthos and the Strofades islands. The next step is to issue the presidential decree establishing protection rules while taking the needs of local communities into account.

“With these two new marine parks, we are advancing the commitment we made at the ‘Our Ocean’ conference, with the aim of protecting more than 30% of Greek waters before 2030.

“Meanwhile, the Management Plan for Gyaros is also being implemented. The island is a valuable refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal, and the plan includes measures to protect marine life and manage visits to the island.

6. Helipads on remote islands to reopen

“The helipads on Ereikousa and Othonoi, in the Diapontia Islands, are reopening after years of deterioration. Around 80% of the work on Ereikousa has already been completed, while improvements are continuing on Othonoi.

“For the residents of these small, remote islands, a functioning helipad means greater safety and, above all, the ability to arrange an immediate medical evacuation by air when every minute counts.

7. Stricter limits on exposure to hazardous chemicals at work

“The new presidential decree, which incorporates a European directive, introduces stricter limits on workers’ exposure to hazardous chemicals.

“Specifically, the permitted exposure limits for lead are being reduced, while limits are being introduced for the first time for diisocyanates, which are used in industry. Medical monitoring is also being strengthened, and workplace inspections are being improved through new digital tools.

8. The Greek flag raised on the frigate Nearchos

“On Friday, the Greek flag was raised in France on Nearchos, the second state-of-the-art FDI frigate for our Navy. A moment of great pride! The Formion will follow in December, and then the Themistocles.

“This continues a week in which the armed forces have been particularly prominent, beginning with the 28 October parade in Thessaloniki. There, we saw the new generation of weapons systems, but also something that particularly impressed me: thousands of citizens patiently waiting in a queue to board the frigate Kimon.

“Respect for the ‘No’ of 1940 is expressed in this way today, too: through a strong Greece that protects its borders and peace.

“I will close with Thessaloniki and… light. The White Tower is now illuminated in an entirely new way, bringing out its beauty and history. The change was made possible by a donation from METLEN, and by January 2027 the Eptapyrgio and sections of the Byzantine Walls will follow.

“And while we are in Thessaloniki, those visiting Aristotelous Square in the coming days will see something different: an open-air design museum, part of the first Design Dialogue Days organised under the DNA Thessaloniki initiative. The exhibits range from everyday objects to the use of the colour red in Pedro Almodóvar’s films.

“The exhibition also extends to 30 shop windows in the historic city centre, with free admission until next Sunday.

“Two different initiatives showing how beautifully a city can combine its history with contemporary creativity.

“Have a lovely Sunday!”