A handover ceremony of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy took place today at the building of the Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. The new Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, assumed his duties in the presence of the outgoing Minister, Christos Stylianides and Deputy Minister, Stefanos Gikas.
Below are the speeches delivered by the incoming and outgoing Ministers of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, as well as by the Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.
Incoming Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias:
“Honorable Minister, dear Christos, Mr. Deputy Minister, Your Eminence,
it is a great honor to have you here.
Mr. Mayor, Mr. Chief, Deputy Chiefs, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am fully aware of where I have come. I have come to this country’s main port, which will be my home for the coming years. My mission and purpose are to help improve everyone’s life and make it easier, creating the conditions required so that this port may develop and this Ministry can act as a driving force for shipping and the economy.
I will start with you, Minister, my dear friend Christos. First of all, we will travel together the next days to Brussels, dear Christos and I want to assure you and your team that anything that has been done and is moving in the right direction—be it related to financing tools, initiatives for modernization and reforms in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, or the utilization and upgrading of the Ministry itself and its people—will find me to be a supporter and successor. Naturally, we will take advantage of the extensive international connections and respect you enjoy in the global arena—Brussels, London, and wherever else necessary—indefinitely.
I understand that there is a goal and a destination related to Cyprus. We love Cyprus, we respect Cyprus and we hold Cyprus close to our hearts. Personally, during the difficult years when there were many questions about whether it existed or not, I contributed, in my view, to the writing of an important book on the Exclusive Economic Zone together with the late Solon Kassidis, Nikos Lygeros, and Theodoros Kariotis, the father of the Exclusive Economic Zone. I am pleased that circumstances have led me here, to close that circle by being at the heart of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.
So, rest assured that in all these positive efforts that have moved forward and been implemented, we need your advice, your contribution, and your help—and we will ask for it openly.
I want to congratulate you and your team, the General Secretaries and the Leadership of the Ministry, as well as the entire Hellenic Coast Guard. For those who might think—and I’ve been reflecting on this ever since leaving the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, after two years full of challenges—that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the port, or Piraeus is a second- or third-tier ministry, they couldn’t be more wrong.
Prepare for big battles, prepare for many changes, prepare for the upgrades that come through continuous effort and struggle. After all, ladies and gentlemen, I know no other way but hard work.
Therefore, Your Eminence, my first step will be to come to you and light a candle in the church, for I have a deep faith and am an Orthodox Christian. I will invoke the help of Our Lady (the Virgin Mary) so that everything may go well, so that She may protect our Coast Guard, the women and men of the Hellenic Coast Guard who fight daily in our seas across the Aegean and the Mediterranean and that She may watch over our seafarers, the people of the sea and our islanders, for insularity is a key part of this Ministry.
Then, Mr. Mayor, I will come to you, because I and we have big plans for the port of Piraeus. Looking at the way Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” in Spata continues to develop, offering services to travelers, respecting passenger traffic and consistently upgrading its facilities—along similar lines, we will seek to do the same for the port of Piraeus. Alongside the city and the Municipality, working together, we will make every effort, and I am sure we will see tangible results.
There are short-term goals, medium-term goals, and long-term goals. I will not repeat what the Minister has already said; there is no need. Naturally, these are central government strategies that our administration will pursue. Allow me, instead, to speak about the initial steps for the coming months.
First of all, we are all here—each and every one of us—to serve the Greek people and the citizens. So, that includes travelers. The first mission of this Ministry is to do everything possible, together with the private sector and private initiatives in coastal shipping and with the Greek government, as stated by its spokesperson, under the Ministry’s coordination, to achieve the best possible outcome for keeping the cost of ferry tickets, from and to the port of Piraeus, stable and if possible, reduced.
Let’s be clear. Citizens come first, and then all of us. Everyone must step back just a bit to support this, so that it is possible to travel to our islands—which provide Greece with a strategic advantage and great depth—more easily. Even more, so when it comes to the remote routes and our border islands. The Greek government—this is the Prime Minister’s mandate—will first and foremost focus on this issue.
The second matter is the Coast Guard. Ladies and gentlemen, the Hellenic Coast Guard has a glorious history and has fought enormous battles in very difficult times. I fully endorse what Christos Stylianides said: we will provide a shield of protection for those who try to undermine the Coast Guard. We are not going to create scapegoats or criminalize those we call upon day and night, in strong winds and harsh conditions, in remote areas, to solve problems for all of us—serving as our defense of lawfulness—while having saved countless lives, including children, single-parent families and people in distress. They have worked hard on this. This is humanitarian work. It is work of the highest value and we respect and honor them for it. At the same time, we have 18,500 kilometers of maritime borders and the women and men of the Coast Guard are out there daily, on the ground and on duty.
Ladies and gentlemen, you will have my full support and backing in this effort, and you have nothing to fear.
I will mention two more matters before concluding, as Christos Stylianides has covered everything thoroughly in his summary.
Regarding maritime education, we will all sit at the same table to review what the DG Reform program has achieved so far and what is needed. We will upgrade the areas in which we are not yet satisfied—from the viewpoint of employees, employers, the Greek state, or the city that hosts us. We can do much better and accomplish much more. We will not postpone this issue indefinitely.
Just as we pushed for major projects like the “AIGIS” program—in 15 months, 1.9 billion euros in tenders, 800 million euros in signed contracts and we’re starting to receive critical assets in Civil Protection that will be a legacy for future generations—along with the programs Christos mentioned, which we will press for vigorously, we must also realize what has long been a dream for all of us: a maritime education at the level we want and deserve. It must come to fruition.
No one should be absent from the negotiation table. Minister, we will listen to everyone and respect everyone. But this will move forward, honoring and building upon our maritime heritage and the legacy left by our forebears, who were both merchants and sea fighters and it will train the new generation of Greeks—young men and women—in an area that I believe is profitable, of high value and capable of giving back much to our country.
I will end with issues that, in my view, are top priorities for the public and concern, ladies and gentlemen, safety.
Under Kyriakos Mitsotakis, I have served in three different roles. At the Ministry of Health, we faced a global public health crisis—the pandemic—and I had to address it. Then at Civil Protection, we dealt with mega-fires, the biggest floods in a century, consecutive earthquakes and many more challenges. Internal security and citizens’ safety come above all else.
We welcome and respect private initiative, we welcome and respect our islands, our municipalities, people in local government, the Ministry’s civil servants and all those who make up this vital part of the Greek government—the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.
Protecting the safety of these people—citizens, travelers, and workers—comes first. I kindly ask that we all abide by this doctrine and the Coast Guard will ensure it is fully implemented. Those few, whether within our family or anywhere else, who do not wish to honor and respect that our fellow citizens have rights and obligations—and likewise, that the Greek state’s primary obligation is to protect them—will find the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy standing firmly against them if they refuse to follow this virtuous and honest path.
Thank you very much.”
Outgoing Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides:
“Your Eminence, my dear friend Vasilis, ladies and gentlemen,
Today, if you will allow me, I will speak a bit more than usual. I have been known for being rather brief and many of you have told me, “Minister, just three minutes?” Today, I will be a bit more talkative. Still, I will not wear you out, because this is an emotional day as I hand over this Ministry—my Ministry—to worthy hands, while leaving behind a place I have come to feel as my family. It was my family and it will remain so.
In politics, we learn two things the hard way:
- 1. No one is irreplaceable.
- 2. There is always continuity—continuity of government, continuity of the state.
I took over from Miltiadis Varvitsiotis and Giannis Plakiotakis and I had to build upon the foundations they provided. These were part of the government’s policy under our excellent Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Now, Vasilis is taking over and will build on the foundation set by all of us.
Another thing we must always remember, as politicians, is that politics is a marathon. It is not a 100-meter sprint. It requires endurance, especially in ministries that manage crises. Vasilis knows perfectly well what a crisis means. He has experienced it and we have even experienced it together on numerous occasions—even now in Santorini. Our country is so beautiful, yet so vulnerable, especially to natural disasters and maritime crises, since the Aegean is not an easy sea.
Politics is also a team sport. Allow me to first thank my Deputy Minister, Mr. Stefanos Gikas. I never once felt in our collaboration, that he saw me as a rival. In politics, to be honest, this rivalry can happen quite often. But not only that—he would come as a sort of “guardian angel” to tell me, “Minister, soften your approach.” And he was right and I would listen, because I do change my mind when someone explains that I am mistaken.
As for working with the Hellenic Coast Guard:
The Coast Guard has exceptional personnel, just like the Fire Service. From my experience as Commissioner in the EU, I understood that Greece’s security forces are such that all Greek citizens should be proud. They include individuals with in-depth knowledge, leadership qualities and an ability to face challenges. Vasilis, you are lucky in that regard. It is a force I have seen in action saving lives. You will soon see the numbers. They are astonishing. And all those who continue trying to criminalize the operational responsibility of the Coast Guard, will find us opposing them. You cannot save lives all day long under challenging conditions and then end up accused because of a single incident.
The two General Secretaries, Evangelos Kyriazopoulos and Manolis Koutoulakis, are outstanding scientists with a deep understanding of the areas they manage. I was truly fortunate to have them by my side. Allow me also to make a brief reference to my small team of six or seven people who worked with me. I thank them all. Because, while I might appear easygoing in dealing with my closest colleagues, I am also extremely demanding. I believe they have been exceptionally patient. In the tough moments of politics, we all need people who stand by us and remain patient. I thank them deeply for that.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We took on the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy in September 2023, during a period of substantial migratory flows—one of the issues the Prime Minister stressed that required particular attention—and significant concerns about security. From the start, building on the foundation laid by my predecessors, we set out clear policy objectives: security, modernization, and restructuring.
Security has two main dimensions: coastal shipping and port infrastructure.
Modernization means focusing on simplification and digitization—first simplification, then digitization. We found European funds, initiated certain programs and they are ready for you to continue, until they can be delivered at the right time.
Restructuring mainly involved maritime education. We have technical assistance from the European Commission via DG Reform. Here I will be self-critical: I wanted the upgrading of maritime education to move faster and it did not progress as quickly as I had hoped. It is a key issue for the Ministry and Greek shipping. Different stakeholders have opposing views, but I believe it is time for bold solutions.
Let me also reiterate something I have often said: the Greek bureaucratic system is perhaps the primary obstacle to the country’s reform. We all need to address this problem. The Prime Minister does everything he can, but the other parties must also realize that this major issue requires broader consensus. It is a national issue, not a partisan one.
Now, a few words about what you, Vasilis, are inheriting:
You will feel proud to be leading this Ministry today. I have repeatedly said I have negotiated all over the world, but I felt strongest as a negotiator at this Ministry—because Greek shipping is a global leader. Greek shipping is our greatest source of pride. Hellenic ocean-going shipping is our strongest card. Thankfully, in late November, we concluded a significant agreement with the European Commission, which has now been ratified. I will not elaborate further.
We are also a leading force in the IMO. Greece was elected in first place and maintained its key role. We are the bridge between the IMO, responsible for the international rules of green transition in shipping and the European institutions. I think this is one of our achievements. I am certain it will continue under Vasilis, as it is a major advantage for the country, for our foreign policy, and for our Prime Minister.
Upon assuming office at this Ministry, we saw how the decade-long economic crisis had prevented the upgrading of port infrastructure, especially in the Aegean. I must emphasize something: safety issues are not negotiable, especially regarding coastal shipping infrastructure. They are simply not negotiable. There is no margin for tolerance—none. I have said something quite blunt before and I will repeat it because I stand by it: the country cannot endure another “Tempi” in the Aegean. No.
We acted swiftly, found funding from the Recovery Fund and the NSRF (ESPA) and I will stand by you, Vasilis, in my new capacity as an advisor to the Prime Minister to secure additional resources.
Through hard work and negotiations, we managed to secure around 1.7 billion euro in European funds for major projects. We also prioritized strengthening the operational capacity of the Hellenic Coast Guard, obtaining funding of 215 million euro from the NSRF for vehicles, vessels and maritime security systems, as well as 621 million euro from the European Commission for equipment. These still require ongoing negotiations. We will stand side by side, supporting one another.
Allow me a comment on the migration issue: I cannot say much, because some things should not be aired publicly. When we took over, indeed, migratory flows ranged between 1,500 and 2,000 per day. Over the last 15 days, on the eastern side, they have ranged from 20 to 80. I think the numbers speak for themselves. With the Prime Minister’s support and intensive negotiations with Turkey and the assistance of all Ministers for Migration, we reached a point where flows from the east are now manageable. I would like to specifically thank four or five people—some of whom are here—who, through daily contact with the Turkish Coast Guard, ensure that what we agreed in Ankara is enforced: that the boats do not set out to sea in the first place. This has been crucial. I believe this will be an important issue for the new Minister. There are also flows from Libya; this is a major European concern. In our latest meeting with the head of Frontex, we found some solutions. It is a broader European matter.
I will point out three flagship projects and then bid you farewell:
- 1. We managed to convince the European Commission to assist us in implementing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for ferry services to the so-called “inaccessible” or “remote” islands. On March 31st in London, there will be a presentation by the new Minister on this critical project, where we will seek assistance from private funds. I will be there with you, Vasilis, for whatever you need, as there is already considerable interest. Our hope is that in three to four years, through European funding that may reach 500 million euro, covering 50% via twelve-year contracts (and some people here understand just how important a 12-year contract is for shipowners), we can provide security in the Aegean with “green” ships capable of higher speeds, supporting tourism and boosting the Aegean—and the Ionian—even further in contributing to our national economy. This will allow the state to increase competition without being held hostage by anyone, especially on ferry routes in their current condition, while still partnering with the private sector in a constructive way that benefits both parties. Personally, I do not believe that profit should be demonized; we cannot achieve major reforms without the private sector.
- 2. The “master plan” for the Aegean will serve as an X-ray or MRI scan of the region and help address every issue. This is another significant project with European funding.
- 3. The creation of a “maritime cluster.” We have just held the kick-off event for shipbuilding and ship repair. I believe that through the Competitiveness NSRF and relevant adjustments, along with private investment, we can develop a cluster in Piraeus that can attract close to 1 billion euro, further strengthening Piraeus as the world’s main maritime hub.
I believe that the “Draghi Report,” which clearly states that without shipping there is no European competitiveness on a global scale, greatly helps our efforts at the European level, particularly regarding shipping. This is a major advantage as we keep reminding our European partners that there can be no European Union or European competitiveness without shipping and no European shipping without Greek shipping.
I depart with deep emotion. Vasilis and I are friends and we will stay in daily contact. I declare that he is a worthy Minister for this Ministry. Thank you very much.”
Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Stefanos Gikas:
“Honorable Ministers, Mr. Chief, General Secretaries, Admirals, esteemed former Chiefs, distinguished guests, Your Eminence,
This is a very special occasion for me and for everyone at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. On one hand, we bid farewell to an outstanding Minister who has had an admirable political career at both the European and national levels, Christos Stylianides. On the other hand, we welcome another remarkable Minister—tested in very difficult portfolios—my esteemed friend and colleague Vasilis Kikilias.
During these nine months working with Mr. Stylianides, we developed an excellent, harmonious collaboration and I want to thank him for that and for the trust he placed in me.
In this time, we have taken many important steps, initiated actions and initiatives that have a real social and economic impact on the daily lives of island residents. We formulated a strategy and a vision to develop a modern and outward-looking insular policy.
Our interventions aim at improving the daily lives of our islanders and strengthening island-based entrepreneurship. Of course, I must also mention your major initiatives, such as improving island connectivity by developing a system of maritime links for remote routes. This action aims to secure island connectivity while introducing “green” technologies for coastal shipping and at the same time, a study is underway for the renewal of the entire coastal fleet.
A great deal has also been done to upgrade and enhance port infrastructure in our islands—maritime matters, coastal shipping and maritime education. Thanks to the outward-looking orientation of our General Secretariat for the Aegean and Insular Policy, we have been promoting and implementing a coherent policy for developing and strengthening insularity.
In this framework and in response to current challenges, we are implementing a holistic program for water resource management and tackling water scarcity. We are reshaping and reforming the Transport Equivalent measure—an essential initiative for our islands—so that it truly benefits residents and visitors alike. We are also finalizing a comprehensive maritime strategy for the insular area and activating the NEARCHOS and Island Entrepreneurship programs. In collaboration with the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, we are promoting a program to support and address the demographic challenges in our small islands.
In today’s complex international environment, quick decisions about the future are necessary. We are working towards a modern, outward-looking and competitive shipping and insular policy. To achieve this, we are utilizing all available resources—both national and EU. I am certain that our highly capable new Minister, Vasilis Kikilias, will also seek additional resources to improve everyday life.
Allow me to emphasize our Hellenic Coast Guard. The men and women of the Coast Guard fight daily and are at the forefront of managing and responding to migration challenges. We acknowledge their contribution and we have a duty to support their work in every possible way.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to thank Mr. Stylianides once more for his service at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy and his contribution to advancing the broader government agenda. We welcome our battle-tested new Minister, Vasilis Kikilias—a longtime, sincerely close friend—by wishing him health and success in this difficult task he has undertaken and I want to assure him that I will make every possible effort towards our shared goal, of improving the lives of Greek citizens in a modern, well-governed country.
To the outgoing Minister, Christos Stylianides, I once again extend my thanks for our constructive and harmonious cooperation and I wish him all the best as he takes on new challenges in Cyprus.
Thank you.”
His Eminence Metropolitan of Piraeus Seraphim, the Mayor of Piraeus, Giannis Moralis, the Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Georgios Alexandrakis, the General Secretary for the Aegean and Insular Policy, Manolis Koutoulakis, the General Secretary for Ports and Shipping, Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, representatives of the Hellenic Parliament, the first and second tiers of Local Government, Shipping Associations, Maritime Labor Unions, Judicial and Military Authorities and Security Forces of Piraeus, Veterans’ Associations of Coast Guard and Navy Officers, the Coast Guard Officers’ Club, former Commandants of the Hellenic Coast Guard, high-ranking officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard and Ministry civilian staff, were also present at the ceremony.
Following the speeches, there was an exchange of commemorative gifts.
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