V. Kikilias: “Foreign policy is a constant battle — Not one step back on our sovereign rights”

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, discussed the need to support ferry connections and contain ticket prices amid pressure from rising fuel costs, the prospects for strengthening the Greek economy through shipping, developments concerning the Turkey–Libya memorandum, and the crisis in Greek basketball, in an interview on SKAI television’s “Atairiastoi” programme with Christos Koutras and Giannis Ntsounos.

On support for ferry services, Mr Kikilias stressed: “I have submitted my proposal to the Presidency of the Government and the Ministry of Finance, and I am pleased that, on the basis of that proposal — you heard the Prime Minister’s statements — ferry services must be supported. That means connections between our islands, the movement of goods and the people who need to travel back and forth in winter, when ships are relatively empty. Ferry services must be supported. I believe that, in the coming period, the relevant formal meetings with the sector will take place so that we can determine how to do this. There are various tools available, and at a time of very difficult fiscal conditions, you can see that this effort is being made.”

Addressing the European institutions, he also noted: “To Europe and those who take the decisions, I say: we will not go off track fiscally — I agree with that — but there must also be empathy for the crisis we are facing. Member States and governments must be given the scope to look after their fellow citizens and the many.”

He recalled that ferry ticket prices had not risen in 2025 either, despite the sector having announced increases of around 15%. Prices also remained stable in 2026, amid war in the Middle East, with €60 million in support following his proposal and a decision by the government’s economic team and the Prime Minister. “For subsidised routes, for our small islands and elsewhere, we will do everything possible to support ferry services once again. That is my position,” he said.

Referring to his recent visit to Japan and China, where he met government officials and shipping industry representatives, the Minister pointed out: “We are the world’s leading shipping power, and that carries weight in the markets of the East. In some very large countries, the construction of Greek-owned ships has reached very high levels. In the meetings I held, I asked that, in return, Greek marine equipment companies be given preference for the ships that will be built. I asked for closer ties. This is something the Chinese government is receptive to, and I asked for it to have a multiplier effect on the Greek economy and Greek society.”

“In other words, since we have a very strong sector, we should make the most of it so that we secure benefits in return across the Greek economy’s network of businesses. This is one of the important roles of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, a ministry focused on production and development. It is not only ferry services, migration and policing our maritime borders that matter, but also port infrastructure, the development of our ports to boost tourism, yachting and cruising. This is how local communities and the many will be supported.”

On developments concerning the Turkey–Libya memorandum, Mr Kikilias said: “First of all, the sham Turkey–Libya memorandum did not emerge just now, but in November 2019. It was signed illegally at the time by the government of western Libya, and it has been a problem for us ever since. It has now been ratified by their parliament; indeed, the Speaker of the House of Representatives was also removed, and it is clear that Turkey had put in place and built up a mechanism of influence in Libya.”

He added: “I do not believe that foreign policy is won or lost in a single day. It is a constant battle and an immense effort. Obviously, this is not a welcome development, but one moment does not determine everything. On the contrary, this requires serious policies, a clear and professional approach, and those who know the issues must be the ones to speak. Once again, I will say that those who are not at the negotiating table clearly do not have the full picture. Those who are negotiating do.” He made clear that “in any event, as a member of this government, I have said many times, with regard to Turkey — whose influence is clearly visible here in a fractured country such as Libya — that when it comes to our sovereign rights, we will not agree to take even one step back.”

Finally, asked about the revelations concerning Greek basketball, the former international basketball player described what had come to light as “a disgrace”.

“I will not rush to accuse this person or that. I would like the justice system to do its work methodically and, of course, reach a conclusion. And, naturally, there is also the presumption of innocence. But I know the joy that sport brings children. Those children may win a match or lose it, and still leave with their heads held high. Their dignity must not be insulted, nor must they lose faith in the rules of the game. Because we knew that when someone steps onto the court, that is where they prove their worth. So there is a serious, structural problem here in something that should embody a healthy ethos. Parents should be able to take their children to sports grounds and trust the officials and the system. From what has come to light, that appears not to be the case in this instance. And I would like this investigation — and credit to the sports judge and those who carried it out — to go all the way, so that we can see who all those people are who may be involved, if they are involved, in such a ring,” he stressed.

In closing, he underlined: “These are not good messages. They can fuel toxicity and the perception that you are all the same, you all do the same things, you are all corrupt, and so on. I do not agree with that, I do not accept it, and I want to say: equal, yes; all the same, no. So whether someone is behind the flag of the Federation, a party, a political movement or an organisation makes no difference. From OPEKEPE to anything else, matters must also be investigated by the justice system. Not by a shouting mob or kangaroo courts. By the justice system.”