He also announced that tomorrow, the government will formally submit to the EU the expression of interest to the EU low -profile loans at least 1.2 billion euros by the new mechanism SAFE. This mechanism, he explained, reinforces Member States in common defense supplies. In a time of increased geopolitical dangers, Greece is involved “by plan, determination, as an initiative sample»In this new security architecture.
Participation in Safe allows Total upgrade of equipment design of the country. Planning for the period 2025-2036 will rise from EUR 28.8 billion at € 30 billion. Also, the annual receipt of equipment will be boosted from € 2.3 billion in 2026 to about € 2.6 billion from 2028 onwards. This, according to Mr. Pierrakakis, translates into “Additional deterrent power for our country, is growing for the Greek defense industry, are new jobs, transfer of know -how, productive restart in critical areas».
The Minister also noted a second move by his ministry to reinforce the defense: escape clause. Greece has not requested the exception of European rules to avoid liabilities, but to respond to its mission, resulting in the shifts the rules themselves. Specifically, ‘Defensive expenditure to be excluded based on base year 2024” This is’Example of successful national claim within European institutions” For Greece, 500m euros of additional equipment costs will not be considered to be the expense rule, as Europe recognizes that security is a public good. “It is a national acquis, is a victory and seriousness and proves that Greece does not follow but plans, claims and succeeds“, Stressed Mr. Pierrakakis.
EAS-MSM Export Strategic Partnership: Lavrio Palace Lavrio
Referring to the cooperation of Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS) with MSM Export To set up a joint company in Lavrio, the Minister described it as “model of strategic partnership” This cooperation reinforces the EAS, secures the public interest, utilizes European resources and introduces the Greek defense industry into a new era, with the State maintaining the strategic control. Knowledge, investment funds and access to international markets will be guaranteed.
The Consortium has undertaken programs following EU bidding procedures and in application of Regulation 2023/1525/EU, known as ASAP Regulation. Greece filed three investment proposals and approved the two, ranked in 5th place between 28 countries. The total investment, along with the participation of the European partner, will exceed the 83 million euros (50 million from CSG and 33 million from the EU).
To implement this investment, there are necessary arrangements that resolve basic regulatory, licensing and ownership issues in order to formulate a flexible and functional legal framework. The ASAP program strategic requirements «They leave no room for delay. On the contrary, they impose institutional purity and speed on implementation. At this juncture, we do not have the luxury of getting lost in unnecessary bureaucracy».
Mr. Pierrakakis mentioned specific points of the new framework:
- The use or upgrade of EAS installations without the classic (environmental and urban) licensing procedures due to the urgency.
- Arranged the ownership status of Lavrion Factory Complexby completing the transition from TETHA to EAS, whose price has been paid for 40 years.
- The exclusion of the EAS from additional licenses is maintained, ensuring speed in extensions and modernization.
- The issue of the legal designation of connected anonymous EAS companies for future ventures is addressed so that the EAS can take advantage of opportunities in the defense industry.
The corporate partnership with MSM Export is an interest in the country as EAS majority (51%) and maintain complete control. The State will collect the dividend. The Slovak MSM of the Czech Group CSG, one of the largest ammunition producers in Europe, holds 49%. The decisions of strategic importance require mandatory approval of the EAS, regardless of the BoD synthesis, and the CEO is appointed by the consent of the EAS.
The Minister made it clear that the agreement “It clearly does not give vital rights, but it provides with explicit forecasts of the control, ownership and operational continuity of the EAS. Infrastructure remains in the public, production is reinforced, the armed forces are absolutely priority and the state maintains an absolute potential for intervention whenever required” Those who claim the opposite ‘Whether they have simply not read the deal or deliberately silence the data».
From this collaboration, Greece receives: Upgrading and utilizing aging infrastructure, enhance production capacity, creating over 400 new jobs, access to new export markets and multiplier revenue.
«The strategic vision is to transform Greece into a hub of European ammunition. Lavrio, in this way, will be at the forefront of pan -European in the production of large caliber ammunition. This agreement strengthens our country“, Concluded Mr. Pierrakakis. He emphasized that Greece, with centuries -old military tradition, “is not surprised“, But”Plans, claims and succeeds»In the face of revisionist rhetoric, with ‘calm, decisive and nationally responsible»Answer.