Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias has said Greece will not compromise on its sovereign rights amid renewed tensions over the 2019 maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya, describing foreign policy as an ongoing struggle that cannot be won or lost in a single day.
Speaking to Greek broadcaster SKAI, Kikilias also discussed government plans to support ferry services as fuel costs rise, ways to increase the economic benefits of Greece’s shipping industry and recent allegations of misconduct in Greek basketball.
Kikilias calls for support for ferry services
Kikilias said he had submitted a proposal to the prime minister’s office and the Finance Ministry to help the ferry industry manage rising fuel costs and keep ticket prices stable.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining connections between Greece’s islands, particularly during the winter, when ferries carry fewer passengers but remain essential for residents and the transportation of goods.
NEWSLETTER TABLE TALK
Never miss a story.
Subscribe now.
The most important news & topics every week in your inbox.
“I am glad that, based on my proposal, you have heard the prime minister’s statements,” Kikilias said, adding that institutional meetings with representatives of the industry were expected in the coming period to determine how support would be provided.
He said several policy tools were available despite the country’s difficult fiscal circumstances and urged European institutions to give member states room to help their citizens.
“We will not depart from our fiscal commitments to Europe and those who make the decisions, I agree. But there must also be an understanding of the crisis we are facing,” he said.
Kikilias noted that ferry ticket prices did not rise in 2025, despite the industry announcing planned increases of around 15%. Prices also remained stable in 2026 amid the war in the Middle East, following €60 million in support approved by the government’s economic team and the prime minister after his proposal.
He said the government would do everything possible to support ferry services serving smaller islands and routes that are not commercially viable without public assistance.
Greek shipping industry seeks greater economic returns
Kikilias also highlighted opportunities to translate Greece’s strength in global shipping into broader economic benefits for domestic businesses.
Referring to his recent trip to Japan and China, where he met government officials and shipping industry representatives, he said Greece’s position as the world’s largest shipping power gave it significant weight in Asian markets.
He noted that Greek-owned vessels account for 68% of shipbuilding activity in China, citing the figure as an example of the sector’s scale.
During his meetings, Kikilias said he asked for Greek marine equipment manufacturers to receive preference when equipment is purchased for ships being built in those countries. He also called for closer ties that would allow Greece’s shipping strength to generate greater returns across the domestic economy.
He described the Shipping and Island Policy Ministry as an economic development ministry, with responsibilities extending beyond ferry connections, migration and maritime border enforcement.
He also pointed to port infrastructure and the development of Greek ports as opportunities to strengthen tourism, yachting and the cruise industry, bringing benefits to local communities.
Kikilias rejects any retreat on sovereign rights
Turning to the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum, Kikilias said the agreement was not a new development, noting that it was signed in November 2019 by the government in western Libya.
He described the agreement as unlawful and said its recent ratification by Libya’s House of Representatives reflected the influence Turkey had built in the country. He also referred to the removal of the parliament’s speaker.
Kikilias said the latest development was unwelcome but should not be treated as decisive for Greece’s foreign policy.
“I do not believe that anyone loses in foreign policy in a single day or wins in a single day. It is a constant struggle and a major effort,” he said.
He called for serious policymaking, a clear and professional approach, and for those with the necessary expertise to lead discussions. He added that people who are not involved in negotiations do not have the full picture.
“As a member of this government, I have said many times, regarding Turkey, that when it comes to our sovereign rights, we will not take even one step back,” he said.
Kikilias calls for investigation into Greek basketball allegations
Kikilias, a former international basketball player, also described recent revelations about Greek basketball as “a disgrace” and called for the investigation to proceed without prejudging anyone’s guilt.
He said the authorities should establish the facts methodically and determine who, if anyone, was involved, stressing the importance of the presumption of innocence.
Kikilias said allegations of misconduct risk undermining children’s confidence in sports and the fairness of competition. Children should be able to win or lose a game and leave with their heads held high, he said, trusting that the rules are applied fairly.
He described the issue as a serious structural problem in a field that should promote healthy values. He praised the sports judge and those who conducted the investigation, calling for it to continue to its conclusion.
Kikilias also warned against a growing perception that everyone in public life or institutions is equally implicated in wrongdoing.
“I do not agree with that, and I do not accept it. I want to say that everyone is equal, yes, but not everyone is the same,” he said.
He called for allegations involving organizations, political parties or public bodies to be investigated by the judiciary, rather than through public condemnation.
“Not public uproar and people’s courts. Justice,” he said.