V. Kikilias: “Efforts Are Underway to Secure European Funding to Curb Energy Prices”

“Efforts are underway to secure European funding and establish a common policy to curb energy prices. The Prime Minister and the Minister of National Economy and Finance are in Brussels, aiming to achieve a coordinated European response to the problem,” stated Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, speaking about the impact of the war on the economy and ferry ticket prices in an interview with OPEN TV and journalists Spyros Charitatos and Alexandra Chatzigeorgiou.

As he stressed, “When we see oil and natural gas prices changing dramatically from one day to the next, this has an impact on the market, everyday life, local markets, supermarkets and ferry ticket prices. In an extremely difficult situation where forecasts are impossible, the government will do its utmost. It is reaching out early to industry representatives to work together on a solution, depending on the outcome and developments of this tragic situation, so that citizens can receive some relief. Various measures are being considered, and initiatives will be taken.”

Mr Kikilias emphasised: “There is no doubt that this is an extremely difficult situation. We do not know what will happen tomorrow or the day after, and if we want to be responsible and measured, we cannot make predictions.

“Just as we did last year, when the market announced ticket price increases of 15% and we found a way to prevent them, we will try to do the same now, under much more difficult circumstances.

“A meeting is being arranged between industry representatives, the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, and the Presidency of the Government to examine which measures we can introduce, potentially in stages, as the situation develops, in order to help and support island residents and citizens. The priority is to protect people's everyday lives and ensure access to our islands.”

Foreign Policy and Greece’s Position

Regarding foreign policy and Greece’s stance, the Minister clarified that “Greek diplomacy is conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and George Gerapetritis. Anyone speaking about foreign policy issues must be extremely careful, because these matters are so sensitive and complex that only those sitting at the negotiating table and coordinating with the Prime Minister have a complete picture of the situation.”

He added: “We are members of NATO and we more than fulfil our commitments. Obviously, if you want peace, you must be strong in your defence and prepared to cope with every difficulty, at a time when crises are following one another in rapid succession.”

Greek Seafarers in the Region

Regarding Greek seafarers in the affected region, Mr Kikilias stated:

“We currently have 11 Greek-flagged vessels inside the Persian Gulf and more than 145–147 Greek vessels in the wider region, either flying the Greek flag or owned by Greek interests.

“Our seafarers are safe. We communicate with the vessels daily through the Ministry’s Operations Centre, and a mechanism is in place for any seafarer who wishes to return home. However, no such request has been submitted so far.”

He noted that these vessels are operating in a war zone and that, to date, attacks have been recorded against vessels—not flying the Greek flag—as well as against energy infrastructure throughout the wider region.

“These attacks have been carried out in various ways, demonstrating that the situation is escalating and spreading. It is impossible to make predictions,” he said.

Finally, he noted that “we are facing an extremely difficult situation, which we are dealing with alongside others, and no predictions can be made.”

He added: “This is not the first time we have managed crises. We will monitor how the situation develops and assess the next steps accordingly.”