V. Kikilias: “420 New Recruits to Join the Hellenic Coast Guard”

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, spoke about plans to strengthen the Hellenic Coast Guard immediately through the recruitment of 420 new personnel and to upgrade its capabilities with modern operational equipment, in an interview with the newspaper Vradyni and journalist Nikos Armenis.

Mr Kikilias noted that procurement procedures are progressing for offshore patrol vessels, pursuit boats, unmanned surface vessels and submarines. Plans also include the establishment of a state-of-the-art operations centre equipped with new technologies, as well as the procurement of thermal imaging cameras, drones and advanced surveillance systems.

Coast Guard Operations During Major Wildfires

Referring to the dozens of challenging rescues carried out by Hellenic Coast Guard personnel from coastal areas during the recent major wildfires, the Minister thanked the men and women of the Hellenic Coast Guard for their professionalism, composure and strong sense of duty.

“They operated in a coordinated manner under extremely adverse conditions, managing to reach coastal areas amid gale-force winds, poor visibility and major fires, and to rescue hundreds of people, including young children and elderly citizens. We will continue to perform our duty with seriousness, professionalism and patriotism,” he stressed.

Managing Irregular Migration by Sea

Regarding the management of irregular migration by sea, Mr Kikilias highlighted the significant overall reduction in arrivals compared with last year, noting:

“Our migration strategy is delivering measurable results. This year, overall migration flows have decreased by 34%, with arrivals from Turkey down by 61% and those from Libya down by 4%.

“This is the result of a comprehensive government effort across all areas. As far as the Ministry of Maritime Affairs is concerned, we have strengthened the Hellenic Coast Guard in Crete with four additional Frontex aerial assets and two long-range drones capable of monitoring almost the entire Libyan Sea.

“We have deployed additional personnel to Crete, upgraded our operational approach and reduced response times to incidents. At the same time, we have established stable channels of cooperation with the Libyan authorities to prevent departures as far as possible and to strike at the networks of ruthless human smugglers at their source.”

He added:

“None of this would have been possible without our people. The men and women of the Hellenic Coast Guard are on the front line every day, day and night, on every one of our islands. They are there to protect our maritime borders and safeguard our sovereign rights. They are a pillar of support for our islands and stand alongside our island communities.”

Measures to Support Citizens and Address the Cost of Living

Asked about new measures to support citizens ahead of the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), Mr Kikilias stressed:

“The toughest battle faced every day by Greek families, the middle class and, above all, our most vulnerable fellow citizens is the battle against the rising cost of living. Europe and the entire world are facing the same challenge, as we all deal with successive crises and wars that are causing severe disruptions and pressure on international markets.

“The situation in the Middle East is not the only concern. Let me remind you that the war in Ukraine, at the heart of Europe, has now been raging for four and a half years.

“I am confident that this year’s Thessaloniki International Fair will reflect our continued efforts to support our fellow citizens, strengthen their disposable income and reduce their tax burdens. Of course, we will maintain a responsible fiscal approach, taking careful and measured steps so as not to jeopardise the country’s stability.

“Our constant objective is to generate wealth for the country so that it can be channelled back into society in a targeted manner, where there is genuine need.”

At the same time, the Minister reiterated that:

“Revenue generated by shipping, tourism, trade, offshore energy, and the development and operation of marinas continues to grow. These sectors provide the clearest example of a development model in which the benefits are shared by the many: small and medium-sized enterprises, family businesses, self-employed professionals and employees.

“Maritime professions offer well-paid jobs and give our children and the next generation the opportunity to enjoy a better life.”

Upcoming Elections

Regarding the forthcoming elections, Vassilis Kikilias stated:

“We have a great deal of work to do before the elections take place. The way to win elections is through hard work, reforms and the relationship of trust we build with society.

“All the rest—speculation, political manoeuvring and rumours—may be of interest to the media, but they are not our job.

“Once again, when election day comes, the Greek people will judge us on our work, on whether we have improved their everyday lives and on whether we are building a better future for our country and our children.”