In his weekly Sunday update, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis provided a comprehensive overview of the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister warned of “serious implications for security and stability at both regional and global levels,” indicating that “the risk of further escalation is alarmingly high.”
Mr. Mitsotakis also mentioned his recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he emphasized that “Iran must be prevented from developing a nuclear arsenal,” while also calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Additionally, the Prime Minister addressed several key topics:
- Revisions to the Highway Code aimed at improving road safety.
- The introduction of free home delivery for high-cost medications.
- The European certification of Saint Savvas Cancer Hospital.
- Energy upgrades for seven hospitals funded by the EU.
- New investments in the tourism sector.
- Expanded housing programs for individuals with disabilities.
- Advancements in the out-of-court debt settlement mechanism.
- Growth of the IRIS digital payments system.
- Progress in digitizing the Hellenic Cadastre.
- The rollout of a Personal Identification Number.
- Training for public servants in Artificial Intelligence.
- The launch of the digital museum Greek Art Now.
Full Statement:
“Another crisis has unfolded in our region, further complicating an already unstable geopolitical landscape. The potential for further escalation presents significant risks to both regional and global security. Developments in the Middle East are deeply concerning.
From the beginning, the Greek government has supported Greek citizens in Israel and Iran, providing comprehensive assistance. We are closely monitoring the situation, and restraint and calm are more crucial than ever.
During a recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I reiterated our positions: Iran must not achieve a nuclear arsenal, and a diplomatic approach is essential. I strongly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid.
Greece remains committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens in the area, and we will continue to collaborate with partners and allies to promote peace, security, and stability.
Now, moving on to our weekly highlights:
First, we are implementing a new Highway Code focused on prevention and changing driver behavior. As I stated in Parliament: we cannot accept lawlessness and chaos on our roads, which tragically claim lives and damage families.
The updated code introduces stricter penalties for frequent and serious violations, including speeding, running red lights, driving under the influence, using mobile phones while driving, and not wearing helmets on motorcycles. We will also address repeat offenders. Soon, a unified digital system to manage fines, utilizing over 2,500 cameras, will be put in place, with penalties tailored to the severity of each violation. However, we must also work on transforming our driving culture.
At the same time, we are enhancing public transportation in Athens and Thessaloniki and piloting a 24-hour Metro and Tram service on Saturdays to help young people avoid the dangers of driving after drinking. The bipartisan backing of this initiative reflects a collective commitment to road safety. We must no longer mourn hundreds of lives lost every year; changing this situation is our duty.
Our guiding principle remains consistency between words and actions.
I am delighted to announce that we are fulfilling another commitment: free home delivery of high-cost medications for patients who request it, significantly cutting wait times at public pharmacies. Applications opened last Thursday via eopyy.gov.gr, public pharmacies, and call centers 18181 and 2108110500. From June 16, qualifying patients will receive their medications at home, at a local pharmacy, at work, or even at their vacation home within 24 to 48 hours.
We have hired 25 additional pharmacists and implemented an online appointment system to reduce wait times at pharmacies. I commend everyone who diligently contributed to making this vital service a reality.
In further significant news, the Saint Savvas Cancer Hospital has successfully achieved accreditation from the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), representing one of the highest quality standards in Europe. This accomplishment is not only commendable for the hospital but also for our entire National Health System. Congratulations to the doctors, nurses, and staff who achieved this high standard. Our efforts to strengthen public health through personnel, resources, and modern infrastructure remain ongoing.
In line with this, we are upgrading essential hospital facilities nationwide. Seven major hospitals have been selected for energy upgrades and renewable energy utilization through the 2021–2027 EU funding program: Hippocrateio, Pammakaristos, and G. Gennimatas in Athens, Tzaneio in Piraeus, AHEPA and G. Papanikolaou in Thessaloniki, and the General Hospital of Messinia in Kalamata. These energy-intensive facilities require significant year-round heating and cooling, so it’s crucial to enhance their efficiency and reduce costs, which can then be redirected to patient care.
Additionally, through EU funding, we have approved 1,573 investment plans for new SMEs in tourism, amounting to €295.7 million in public spending across 11 regions. Combined with previous approvals for Attica and the South Aegean, total funding has reached €379 million for 2,021 applications. These investments are vital for regional development, job creation, and strengthening tourism, a cornerstone of our economy.
We are also expanding housing support programs for those in need.
Participation in the “My Home II” housing program for individuals with disabilities is broadening. Beneficiaries with at least 67% disability, or dependents with the same level of disability, can now choose newer properties built up to December 31, 2020, instead of the previous limit of 2007, giving them access to modern housing that meets newer construction and accessibility standards. We are granting a 60-day extension for completing loan agreements.
The out-of-court debt settlement mechanism has shown promising results.
In May alone, we initiated 10,870 applications, more than double the previous monthly average. There were 1,672 new settlements in May, covering debts worth €602.7 million. To date, we have reached 36,572 successful arrangements, totaling €12.17 billion in restructured debt. With expanded income and asset criteria, more middle-class citizens are now eligible for equitable and practical solutions.
The IRIS instant payments system has also made great strides.
Greece now boasts one of the highest adoption rates of instant fee-free payments in the Eurozone, with IRIS payments growing from €51 million in 2020 to €6.4 billion in 2024. By mid-2025, we anticipate 3.8 million users and over 565,000 freelancers and small businesses utilizing the service.
By the end of June, we will double the daily transaction limit to €1,000, and by October 31, IRIS will be available for all businesses. This entirely Greek payment system illustrates how Europe can gain strategic autonomy in financial technology.
Next, the Hellenic Cadastre is transitioning into a digital age.
The Digital Real Estate Transfer File is now fully operational through akinita.gov.gr, allowing citizens and notaries to digitally manage property transfers, donations, and inheritances. Since the pilot launch, 1,838 property transactions have been completed, often within one business day, with even complex cases typically resolved within four days. We anticipate that by the end of 2025, the Cadastre will be fully digitized, providing a modern, efficient, and transparent service.
We continue our efforts to minimize bureaucracy and streamline processes for our citizens.
One notable example is the new Personal Identification Number. In just two weeks, over 320,000 citizens have applied via myinfo.gov.gr. This system allows users to view and correct discrepancies among registries automatically, eliminating the need for declarations, appointments, or delays. We have already processed 96,297 corrections seamlessly.
We are also enhancing the skills of public servants through training in Artificial Intelligence.
To date, 9,087 civil servants have benefited from training through a collaborative initiative with Google and the National Center for Public Administration. For the first time, our public employees are learning skills in data analysis and automation, updating the state’s human capital.
Finally, a cultural highlight: the launch of the “Greek Art Now” digital museum.
This free project, available on Google Arts & Culture, is supported by the Ministry of Culture and features collaborations with institutions like the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST), MOMus, and the National Gallery. It invites global audiences to explore contemporary Greek art and discover esteemed works from the Kostakis Collection. With over 60 digital exhibitions and 1,800 high-resolution pieces now accessible, Greece is recognized not only for its rich history but also as a vibrant force in modern culture.
This concludes our weekly review. We remain focused on the positive as we continue our efforts. Have a wonderful Sunday!
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