“Defense is neither technocratic choice nor accounting for us. It is above all a national affair. It is deeply rooted in the consciousness of the Greek people as a duty, as a priority of national survival, “the Minister of National Economy and Finance said. Kyriakos Pierrakakisaddressing the National Delegation, for Greece’s participation in the SAFE program. ‘The government is facing strengthening defense as a first -line strategic choice and Ministry of National Economy and Finance He is called upon to support this choice by achieving a subtle balance: to shield the country, against any external challenge, and at the same time to enhance the daily life of the citizen, because there is no strong defense without social cohesion and vice versa, there is no social progress, no social progress, and there is no social progress. EU, the expression of interest in low -profile loans at least € 1.2 billion from the new SAFE mechanism.
“This is a European tool that strengthens Member States in their attempt to move on to common defense supplies, through long -term low -term loans. In a time of increased geopolitical dangers, the need for security, stability and European defense is decisive and Greece with plan, determination, is involved in this new security architecture. He does it not as a heaven, he does it as an initiative sample, “Mr Pierrakakis said, stressing that participation in Safe allows the country’s equipment planning to be overall. As he said, the design for the period 2025-2036 will initially rise from 28.8 to 30 billion euros. The annual receipts will be raised from € 2.3 billion in 2026 to about € 2.6 billion from 2028 onwards. “This is not just a numerical size, it is additional deterrent power for our country, it is growth for the Greek defense industry, they are new jobs, a transfer of know -how, a productive restart in critical areas,” Mr Pierrakakis said, stressing that the Ministry of National Economy and the Ministry of Economy is making a second. “The first was the escape clause that Greece did not ask for exception to the European rules to avoid its obligations, requested an exception to respond to its mission and the rules themselves were shifted along the way. He essentially requested a escape clause where defense spending is excluded from the basis of the year 2024, and this is an example of a successful national claim within European institutions, “the Minister of National Economy and Finance said, and stressed that for Greece 500m euros in addition to additional equipment, the costs would not be secured. A public good for all and therefore this clause is “national acquis, it is a victory and seriousness and proves that Greece does not follow but plans, claims and succeeds”.
Referring to the EAS cooperation with MSM Export, to set up a joint company in Lavrio, the minister said that it is an example of a strategic partnership, strengthens the EAS, secures the public interest, utilizing European resources and introducing the Greek defense industry into a new era. The State will maintain strategic control, at the same time guarantee know -how, investment funds and access to international markets. Mr Pierrakakis pointed out that the consortium undertook programs following EU bidding procedures and implementing Regulation 2023/1525/EU known as the ASAP regulation: “In the context of ASAP regulations, Greece has submitted three investment proposals and the two were approved. Greece was ranked 5th among the 28 countries participating in the competition. Along with the participation of the European partner, the total amount of the investment will exceed 83 million. The CSG investment is 50 million to which 33m euros are added from the EU. “
In order to proceed with this investment, he noted, there are necessary arrangements that resolve basic regulatory, licensing and ownership issues, the minister said, adding that the aim of the regulations is to form a flexible and functional legal framework that responds to today’s urgent needs. “The strategic requirements of the ASAP program 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, “the Minister of National Economy and Finance said, noting that:
* The new framework ensures that EAS facilities can be used or upgraded without activating the classic (environmental and urban) licensing processes, as they are incompatible with the urgency of defense needs at the current situation.
* At the same time, the current ownership status of the Lavrion Factory Complex is settled as the transition from the National Defense Fund (TETA) to the EAS, whose price has been paid by the EAS already completed 40 years ago, is completed.
* In addition, the exclusion of EAS from additional licenses is maintained, which ensures that the necessary extensions and modernization of production lines will proceed with speed.
* Finally, the issue of legal characterization of the associated EAS public limited companies is addressed, which may be established in the future in the context of similar ventures to the joint company so that the EAS are ready to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the particularly dynamic European and international context in the field of defense industry.
The corporate scheme, as it has been, contains strong advantages for our country. The EAS cooperation with the MSM Export relates to the establishment of a joint company in which the EAS are majority and have full control, Mr Pierrakakis said and stressed that the EAS holds the majority (51%). The State will receive the corresponding dividend from the company’s activity. The Slovak MSM of the CSG Czech Group holds 49%. This company is one of the largest large -handed ammunition producers in Europe and an important factor in the European Defense Industry.
Decisions of strategic importance are subject to compulsory approval of the EAS, regardless of the composition of the BoD. The CEO is appointed only with the consent of the EAS.
“The agreement 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 State, production is reinforced, the Armed Forces are prioritized, and the state maintains an absolute potential for intervention whenever required.
Those who claim the opposite, whether they have simply not read the agreement, or deliberately silence the data, “the Minister of National Economy and Finance said, noting that from the cooperation of the EAS with the Czech CSG through a consortium, Greece is collecting:
* Upgrading and utilizing aging infrastructure and equipment.
* Enhance the productive capacity of EAS,
* Creating new jobs with specialized staff. It is estimated that more than 400 jobs will be created
* Access to new export markets to which EAS today do not have access,
* Multiplicative revenue for EAS through their participation in the profits of the new, Common, Company.
“The strategic vision is to convert 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.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Greece, a country with a centuries -old military tradition and geopolitical maturity, is not surprised. He knows when to prepare and when to lead with initiatives that shield national security and at the same time give a growth boost to the Greek economy.
Especially when some continue to invest in reviewing rhetoric and practices, often seeking to challenge our internationally guaranteed sovereign rights.
Our answer is calm, decisive and nationally responsible, “Mr Pierrakakis said, stressing that” any initiative that enhances our defense capacity and upgrades our industrial and strategic self -sufficiency is a national responsibility initiative. “
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