With the sudden worsening of the migration issue at the southern maritime borders of the country as a key concern, Kyriakos Mitsotakis opened his weekly review, sending a clear message that “Greece will not allow a new illegal entry route into the country and Europe to be established.”

“The vile traffickers are changing tactics and routes, shifting their operations where they find ground — and this time, that ground is Libya,” he emphasized. The Prime Minister confirmed the implementation of emergency measures against traffickers using Libya as a passage and called on Libya to cooperate, reminding that the country’s relationship with the EU goes through Athens.

“As we did in Evros in 2020, so now we will do whatever it takes to stop them. We are taking emergency measures to shut down the route from North Africa. And in this context, we call on Libya to cooperate, after all, its relationship with the European Union passes through Greece. Our stance is strict but entirely legal and justified. I know many citizens feel unsettled and anxious. I share this feeling. I do not hide behind numbers or statements. The pressure is real, and our response is clear: Greece will not become an unguarded vineyard,” he stated characteristically.

He then referred to the major cultural recognition of Greece with the inclusion of the Minoan Civilization in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, calling it a “tribute to Marianna Vardinoyannis.” Equally extensive was his reference to the European Commission’s Rule of Law report, where, as he said, Greece has made progress in all areas, refuting — as he emphasized — the narrative of “institutional collapse.”

On education, the Prime Minister presented the regulation for the removal of approximately 290,000 inactive university students from public university registries, with special provisions for vulnerable groups, while highlighting the need for a clear picture of the student body. He also particularly emphasized the new system for evaluating public hospitals by the patients themselves via a digital questionnaire, focusing on transparency and the improvement of services provided.

Special mention was made of the “PROLAVAINO” (I Prevent) program, from which 3.6 million citizens have already benefited through free preventive screenings. He also announced its expansion to include obesity and kidney dysfunction. In terms of social policy, he presented the “Home Accessibility” initiative, along with three new programs for persons with disabilities (PwDs), totaling €232.4 million, aimed at enhancing autonomy and energy upgrades of special education schools.

In the economic sphere, he announced the launch of the “SME Extroversion” program with a public budget of €200 million, as well as the removal of 1,400 investment plans that were not implemented, returning €480 million to the state.

The Prime Minister concluded his review by referring to three additional areas: the upcoming completion of the new Kipi border station in Evros, the positive trajectory of Greece in waste management, and the successful pilot of 24-hour public transport operation last Saturday. Finally, he announced the “Five Cultural Routes,” designed by the Ministry of Culture and funded with €50 million from the Recovery Fund, as a tool of cultural diplomacy and regional development.

See the Prime Minister’s Facebook post:

Good morning to all.

Today’s review begins with the major issue of migration, which in recent days has once again returned as an urgent and suffocating situation — this time at our southern maritime borders. For those who are justifiably concerned, I assure you we will not sit idly by. After all, we’ve proven that many times since 2019 by securing our borders in Evros, the northern, and eastern Aegean. Migration is not a temporary crisis. It is a reality that changes shape, intensifies or subsides, but never ceases.

Vile traffickers are changing tactics and routes, shifting their operations where they find ground — and this time, that ground is Libya.

Our message is clear: Greece will not allow a new route of illegal entry into the country and into Europe to be established. As we did in Evros in 2020, so now, we will do whatever it takes to stop them. We are taking emergency measures aimed at closing the route from North Africa. And in this context, we call on Libya to cooperate — after all, the neighboring country’s relationship with the EU passes through Greece. Our stance is strict but entirely legal and justified.

I know many citizens feel unsettled and anxious. I share that concern. I do not hide behind numbers or declarations. The pressure is real, and our response is clear: Greece will not become an unguarded vineyard.

Changing the subject — but staying in Crete — to a very significant cultural development:

According to the 47th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the Minoan Civilization has been officially included in the World Heritage List. A great international recognition for a civilization born in Crete that left an indelible mark. Congratulations to all who worked hard for this success — the Ministry of Culture, our Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, the Region of Crete, and all cooperating bodies. This recognition is also a tribute to the memory of Marianna Vardinoyannis, who believed in this vision from the very beginning.

Moving on to the 2024 European Commission Rule of Law Report:

It confirms Greece’s steady progress in the areas of justice, transparency, media freedom, and overall institutional functioning. Our country is one of 12 EU member states that made progress on all recommendations and one of the 15 with the fewest recommendations — along with Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Countries like Spain, Italy, Ireland, or Belgium received more recommendations than Greece.

We do not claim that everything is perfect. No democracy in any country is perfect. But clearly, the narrative of institutional collapse promoted by the opposition does not reflect reality. Greece has been consistently improving over recent years, having fully addressed 3 out of the 7 recommendations issued since 2022 and making significant progress on the remaining 4.

Regarding inactive university students:

Our initiative to clean up public university registries includes deregistering around 290,000 inactive students, some of whom have been enrolled since the 1950s and 60s. This is a fair and sensible measure. Around 35,000 students who meet specific criteria (having passed 75% of their courses and having participated in exams in the past 2 years) will be given a second chance to complete their studies.

Special provisions will apply to individuals with disabilities over 50%, parents of children under 8, those working over 20 hours per week, and competitive athletes. For the first time, universities will have a realistic view of their actual student population — helping with planning and resource allocation.

On public hospitals:

For the first time, public services will be evaluated by citizens. Starting tomorrow, patients discharged from public hospitals will rate their experience in real time through a digital questionnaire: 35 questions in 8 areas, with “Yes” or “No” answers. The process will exclude pediatric, psychiatric, and oncology cases for now — with specialized questionnaires coming by the end of 2025.

This is not a simple survey but a tool for improving healthcare quality. Well-performing hospitals will be rewarded. Those with persistently low ratings and no improvement will face consequences. The state has the obligation to ensure adequate resources, staff, and infrastructure.

On preventive healthcare:

The “PROLAVAINO” program has already benefited over 3.6 million citizens with free preventive checkups. The program will be expanded to include adult obesity and kidney dysfunction. Changing the culture around prevention is a personal goal — and to some extent, we are achieving it.

On disability support:

The new €24 million “Home Accessibility” program supports 2,500 people with over 67% disability. Grants from €5,000 to €14,500 cover home adaptations like ramps, stairlifts, or special equipment. This is part of our “Greece 2.0” National Recovery Plan and promotes independent living and equal participation of people with disabilities in society and the labor market. Applications will be submitted online shortly.