V. Kikilias: “Investments in Shipping and Port Infrastructure Are a Major Opportunity for Growth in the Greek Economy”

“Investments in shipping and port infrastructure are, in my view, a major opportunity for growth in the Greek economy,” emphasized the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, during his speech in Parliament in the debate on the state budget.

Speaking about the contribution of shipping and port infrastructure to the overall transformation of the Greek economy, the Minister stated:

“I sincerely believe, and can see, that the sea is a comparative advantage for our country and our fellow citizens. Insularity is another.

“In the past, cities built around the sea and equipped with ports, as well as islands with their own infrastructure, were able to support trade and, many years later, tourism.

“Shipping enabled our country to achieve great things in the past. During the 51 years since the restoration of democracy, we invested, to some extent, in securing positions for our children in the Greek public sector. Today, this model has been overtaken by circumstances and must be transformed, just as we are transforming the economy as a whole.

“We must once again turn our attention to the professions and the ecosystem that can be developed around the sea, ports, islands and coastal cities. These can give the Greek economy a competitive advantage, create better-paid jobs and provide an answer to the concerns of the next generation, offering young people optimism and hope for the future here in our own country.

“Greek ocean-going shipping is the world's leading fleet and shows us how we can organize the ecosystem surrounding it even more effectively.”

Funding and investment planning for the coming years

The Minister then presented the Ministry's funding plans for the coming years. As he noted:

“At the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, and across the government as a whole, we are making every possible effort, through negotiations, to secure the best possible conditions for a stable, substantial and productive economy.

“Through the funding sources available to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs—including the Internal Security Fund (ISF), the fund for migration policy, the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the Public Investment Programme (PIP), investments in non-commercial ferry routes and the Transport Equivalent scheme, island water supply projects, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)—investments are expected to reach €1.498 billion from 2026 onwards.

“We cannot, and will not, leave behind our remote border islands, our frontier regions or the port cities that once flourished. Our goal is to revitalize these areas and create hubs of growth and entrepreneurship around maritime professions, supporting local economies and generating new jobs for our children and future generations.”

Modernizing the Hellenic Coast Guard

Referring to the operational modernization of the Hellenic Coast Guard, he said:

“We have agreed on almost 500 new Coast Guard recruitments in 2026 because we need them. The master plans for all the country's ports will move forward.

“The Hellenic Coast Guard and its men and women deserve a new, modern operations centre. The current operations room is outdated.

“Through the AEGIS 2 programme, we will move forward with the acquisition of new offshore patrol vessels exceeding 80 metres in length, capable of operating south of Crete, in the Libyan Sea and wherever else necessary. Smaller pursuit vessels will also be acquired, along with unmanned surface vessels, underwater systems and aerial platforms.

“Our country has maritime borders. It is not an open space; it is a country, and we have a duty to defend it.”

Supporting smaller islands

In the same context, the Minister stressed the need to support smaller islands:

“Every island served by a non-commercial ferry route, regardless of its size, will receive support from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

“Investments in desalination plants, ports, breakwaters and anchorages can support sustainable development while respecting the environment and the identity of each place.”

Making better use of ports that have fallen behind

The Minister also referred to the need to develop ports that have lagged behind in recent decades:

“We must examine how to make better use of major ports that have fallen behind in recent decades, such as the port of Patras, and consider what can be done with Astakos. Of course, we must also look at other ports, such as Volos and Kavala.

“As for other ports in Attica, such as Elefsina, we will provide opportunities to support and develop marinas, which generate substantial revenue in the tourism sector.

“All this revenue must not flow abroad; it must return here, to local economies and to the people who deserve to share in the benefits of this growth.”

Closing remarks

Concluding his speech, the Minister emphasized:

“Of course, transparency is essential. Of course, a strong ethical code is required. Of course, we are not all the same, and everyone, including within political parties, has a duty to engage in self-criticism.

“However, seriousness, moderation and restraint are also essential. We must respect our interlocutors and those who hold different political views.

“I believe that, for our country to remain strong and face the future with optimism, we must learn to tolerate differences and respect one another. What may sometimes seem easy or appealing to say can come back to haunt us the very next day, like a boomerang.

“Our true worth is demonstrated over time, both through our ethical standards and through the principles we uphold and the way we conduct ourselves.”