Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis began the weekly Sunday review of the past week with a reference to the war that has erupted in Middle East. “Good morning. We are monitoring the developments in Iran and in the wider Middle East region, which directly affect international and regional stability, closely and with concern,” the prime minister stated. The review outlined the critical international developments, as well as the Greek initiatives for stability and security in the broader region, along with significant domestic interventions—from institutional and railway restructuring following the Tempi tragedy to reforms in the economy, defense, digital transition, and culture. “Yesterday I communicated with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. Today I am continuing contacts with leaders of the region, aiming at coordination and the exchange of assessments regarding the latest developments. The issue was discussed extensively at the Government Council on National Security (KYSEA), where we evaluated all the data and analyzed the potential implications at every level: diplomatic, geopolitical, and security. Our absolute priority is the safety of Greek citizens who are in the region. From the very first moment, all mechanisms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were activated for their protection and support, while we remain in constant coordination with allies and partners. At the same time, our steady objective remains safeguarding freedom of navigation and maintaining stability in the wider region. This presupposes effective control of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program in order to prevent the acquisition of a nuclear weapon. Greece stands with composure, as a force of stability and responsibility in the region. Further escalation must be avoided. It is important to protect civilians and ensure respect for International Law,” the Prime Minister emphasized. He continued with a reference to the third anniversary of the Tempi rail tragedy, “a night that deeply marked the country and left behind unspeakable pain.” “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the families of the victims, who live every day with the loss of their loved ones. Time does not heal such wounds. It simply turns them into a silent, daily ordeal,” he noted, adding: “For society as a whole, the demand remains unchanged: a full clarification of the case and accountability. The trial that begins on March 23 constitutes a critical institutional step. In a democracy, justice is the path through which the truth emerges and responsibilities are assigned. Throughout this period, the Greek State had one fundamental obligation: to ensure that the case would be investigated in full depth and that Justice would be able to carry out its work without interference. One of the largest and most complex investigations ever conducted in our country took place, with a thorough examination of evidence and responsibilities. Within three years, the investigation was completed and the trial has been set to begin in a few weeks, with 36 defendants, 33 of whom face felony charges and two Ministers who will answer before the Judicial Council.” He pointed out that “alongside Justice, we have a duty to ensure that the railway becomes safer and more modern," and referred to the changes that have been made at both technical and institutional levels: “Already, on the country’s main railway axis, Athens–Thessaloniki, by summer the line will operate with full signaling, full remote management, and the European Train Control System (ETCS), which has already been installed on 100 trains. For the first time in two decades, the procurement of new trains is moving forward, with an investment of 308 million euros within the framework of the revised agreement with Ferrovie dello Stato. A total of 23 new trains will be delivered gradually from spring 2027, with clear clauses in favor of the Greek State. At the institutional level, we have proceeded with deep changes: the new unified OSE was created, abolishing the fragmentation of responsibilities; the budget was increased; and a stricter operating framework was established. The Regulatory Authority for Railways and HARSIA (the National Investigation Agency for Aviation, Rail Accidents and Transportation) have been strengthened; new staffing and training standards with modern simulators are being implemented; psychometric evaluations and international collaborations have been introduced. This reform is complemented by the operation of railway.gov.gr, the new digital railway supervision tool. For the first time, there is a public and real-time view of train traffic, starting with the Athens–Thessaloniki axis. By the end of April, the satellite tracking system will have been installed on all trains in the network. The platform does not replace existing safety systems but reinforces them. It functions as an additional control safeguard, with capabilities for immediate alert and risk management," Mitsotakis underlined. The prime minister's review also noted important trade deals signed by Atlantic SEE LNG Trade (an AKTOR Group and DEPA Commercial consortium) for the sale of U.S. LNG in four European countries on the Vertical Corridor and how these enhance Greece's role as a reliable energy security hub. He also welcomed the European Commission's approval of state subsidies of 400 million euros to support clean technologies under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF), saying this will allow Greece to support strategic sectors, including critical raw materials, battery production, photovoltaics, wind generators and green hydrogen, boosting the competitiveness of its domestic production base, reducing dependence on imports and lead to more jobs and investments. "Industrial development and protection of the environment are progressing together, efficiently and based on a plan. It is a significant success for our country," he said, noting that two ministries and their corresponding services had worked hand in hand for this outcome. The prime minister also highlighted the start of the new model for mandatory military service placing all recruits in the land army, with upgraded basic training providing lifelong learning skills, programs to improve the digital skillset of senior citizens and those with disabilities and concluded his review with a reference to encouraging figures regarding tourism and various issues relating to domestic affairs and social policy. Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr