Sicily: Shipping, ports, shipyards and energy will determine Greece's growth over the next 25 years

In June 2026, Greek Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy Vasileios Kikilias emphasized the strategic importance of Greece's ports, shipbuilding industry, and energy infrastructure during a discussion at the Athens Defense Conference. The conference was organized by the Delphi Economic Forum in collaboration with the Hellenic Institute of European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP). Kikilias highlighted how these sectors would shape Greece’s economic and geopolitical position over the next 25 years, particularly amid global shifts such as the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and the need for enhanced European defense and secure energy routes.

Kikilias underscored the role of Greece as a critical logistics hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasizing that the development of port infrastructure, shipbuilding capabilities, and energy installations could serve as a lever for economic growth and job creation. He pointed out that the revival of Greek shipyards has already created significant employment opportunities and contributed to the resurgence of heavy industry in the country. Specific mention was made of investments underway in shipyards on Syros, Skaramangas, and Elefsina, which have generated hundreds of new jobs and opened prospects for participation in the construction of new ships.

The minister noted that each Greek port plays a distinct yet complementary role—commercial, energy-related, coastal, shipbuilding and repair, or strategic—and stressed that the country should function as an integrated network of port infrastructure rather than a collection of isolated facilities. Special attention was given to Alexandroupoli, which he characterized as a strategic gateway for northern Greece, the Balkans, and Europe. He explained that investments in energy infrastructure, such as floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), combined with transport and rail connections, could transform the region into a significant energy and transit hub.

Kikilias also addressed the potential impact of these investments on curbing the brain drain of young professionals and workers seeking opportunities abroad. He argued that developing port, energy, and shipbuilding infrastructure could create new development prospects for local communities and the broader Greek economy. Regarding the financial model for large-scale infrastructure projects, he advocated for a combination of national and European funds alongside private capital. He emphasized that investments of national and geostrategic significance must be prioritized at the highest governmental level, while other infrastructures offer substantial room for utilizing European funding tools and public-private partnerships (PPPs).

He expressed support for collaborations with the private sector and long-term leases, provided the state maintains control over critical strategic infrastructure. In terms of military activity and cooperation between NATO and the European Union, Kikilias supported an active and continuous foreign policy, arguing that Greece should actively participate in international negotiations and the shaping of regional developments. On the issue of relations with Turkey, he stressed the need to maintain open channels of communication and negotiation while clearly stating that "there can be no cession of national rights."

Kikilias further highlighted the importance of strengthening Greece's defense industry, recognizing its role in enhancing national security and industrial capacity. His remarks reflect a broader strategy aimed at leveraging Greece’s geographical and strategic assets to bolster both its domestic economy and its standing in international affairs. The minister’s vision underscores a commitment to integrating Greece more deeply into global supply chains and energy networks, positioning the country as a pivotal player in the evolving dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.