‘In an era where rules and international agreements are being tested, Greece insists on International Law, multilateralism and dialogue,’ the prime minister said, arguing that the country must be present in international discussions ‘with clear positions, with alliances and with a plan’.

He placed Greek-Turkish relations in the same context, stressing that channels of communication with Turkey must remain open. According to Mitsotakis, differences between the two countries can only be addressed on the basis of international law, while dialogue remains necessary provided it is not accompanied by unilateral actions that, according to the Greek position, violate international law.

However, the prime minister’s review made no corresponding reference to Gaza or to developments that have been at the centre of international debate, nor to the accusations of genocide against the Palestinian population that have been raised internationally.

The omission is particularly notable at a time when much of the debate at the UN General Assembly has focused on the war in Gaza and its consequences, while the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have faced intense international criticism.

Cost of living remains a priority

The prime minister described tackling the cost of living as the government’s ‘most important immediate priority’, particularly through reducing energy costs, with an emphasis on heating oil.

He also referred to medium-term measures aimed at increasing disposable income through further tax cuts and higher average nominal wages.

On the economy, Mitsotakis referred to meetings in the US with more than 30 institutional investors with exposure to Greece and major Greek businesses, noting that their combined assets under management exceed $4.5 trillion. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to its fiscal policy and to reducing public debt.

Artificial intelligence regulation

Mitsotakis also referred to artificial intelligence, arguing for the establishment of rules, institutions and oversight mechanisms to manage both the opportunities and risks presented by the technology.

The prime minister expressed support for regulation, arguing that it should not act as an obstacle to innovation but as a mechanism for its safe use. He also set out the goal of expanding the use of artificial intelligence in the economy, public administration, healthcare and productivity.

Rent refunds, debt settlement and the Digital Employment Card

On domestic policy, Mitsotakis referred to the start of double rent refunds for teachers and healthcare workers serving outside major urban centres, with retroactive effect from the 2024 tax year.

He also noted changes to the out-of-court debt settlement mechanism, under which, according to his account, debtors may request a separate arrangement for their primary residence while consenting to the liquidation of other properties. Mitsotakis said the change could result in lower instalments, greater debt write-offs and repayment arrangements of up to 35 years, depending on the case.

The prime minister also referred to the expansion of the Digital Employment Card to additional sectors. Full implementation is planned from 12 October for private healthcare, telecommunications, hairdressing and beauty salons, dry cleaners and cleaning services, and from 16 November for consulting services, advertising, repairs, logistics, water and sewage services and gambling.

According to Mitsotakis, around 500,000 additional workers will be covered, bringing the total to approximately 2.5 million.

Incentives for regional areas

Mitsotakis presented three government initiatives aimed at decentralisation.

The first is a subsidised employment programme for businesses hiring workers who live in mountainous and remote areas. The scheme allows for remote work and, according to the prime minister, will subsidise 90% of salary and social security contributions for 12 months.

The second involves the creation of a ‘Hotel Management’ specialisation at the Public Employment Service (DYPA) in Karpenisi, with 25 places for the 2026–27 academic year and an apprenticeship allowance of up to €588 per month.

The third concerns the expansion of the Relocation Programme to seven municipalities in the Ioannina regional unit and to the municipalities of Souli and Filiates in Thesprotia. The programme provides financial assistance of up to €10,000 to people who choose to settle permanently in the designated areas.

Tourism and support for Thessaly and Evros

The prime minister described the performance of the tourism sector as positive, citing a 12% increase in tourism revenues in the first seven months of the year, reaching €13.5 billion, alongside an 8.6% increase in foreign visitor arrivals.

He also referred to the Thessaly-Evros Pass 2026, under which 7,500 digital cards worth €200 will be made available for selected destinations in Thessaly and 1,400 cards worth €250 for selected destinations in Evros.

Mitsotakis also noted that applications to correct boundaries, surface areas and other geometric details in the Land Registry can now be submitted electronically in cases covered by the relevant platform.

Migration

On migration, the prime minister said that the asylum seeker accommodation facility in Thermopylae is ceasing operations, as it no longer hosts any residents and is to be returned to the local community.

He also claimed that migration and refugee arrivals in 2026 have fallen by approximately 34% compared with 2025, while forced returns and expulsions increased by up to 40% in the first half of the year.

According to the figures cited by Mitsotakis, the asylum recognition rate during the first eight months of 2026 stood at 37%.

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