Mitsotakis warns of extreme wildfire conditions as he outlines Greece’s latest government initiatives

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has warned that Greece is facing some of the most challenging wildfire conditions of the summer, as extreme weather and winds reaching up to 10 Beaufort have tested the country’s emergency response systems.

In his weekly review, Mitsotakis praised firefighters, civil protection officials, volunteers, armed forces personnel, police, local authorities and citizens who have battled the devastating blazes across Greece.

“These days are extremely difficult for our country, with extreme meteorological conditions and winds that in many areas reached even 10 Beaufort,” Mitsotakis said.

He acknowledged that despite major investments in civil protection, including additional aircraft, ground equipment, new technology and increased staffing, there are moments when the intensity of natural phenomena exceeds human capabilities.

“When winds blow with such force, even the dozens of aerial firefighting resources we have cannot operate safely,” he said, explaining that in several cases aircraft were unable to conduct water collections or drops because of dangerous turbulence.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the three firefighters who lost their lives while on duty, saying they had given “the most valuable thing they had” to protect fellow citizens, homes and forests.

Government teams from the Fire Service and state assistance programmes will continue working alongside residents whose properties were damaged, Mitsotakis said, stressing that prevention remains the country’s highest priority.

Migration remains a major European challenge

Turning to migration, Mitsotakis said recent developments in Spain’s Ceuta region highlighted that migration remains one of Europe’s greatest challenges.

He reiterated Greece’s approach since 2019, describing it as a “strict but fair” migration policy based on protecting land and sea borders, accelerating returns for those not entitled to international protection, and preventing the instrumentalisation of migration flows.

He pointed to Greece’s response at the Evros border in 2020 and migration measures implemented in 2025 as examples of this approach.

According to Mitsotakis, irregular sea arrivals during the first seven months of 2026 have fallen by more than 35% compared with the previous year, while forced returns have increased by 40%.

He also highlighted that the number of migrants staying on Greek islands has fallen dramatically, from around 51,000 in 2019 to 3,197 today, with organised facilities operating at only 22% capacity.

New measures for workers and mothers

Mitsotakis also announced changes benefiting workers in sectors where tipping is common, including tourism and hospitality.

The government is increasing the tax-free threshold for tips to €6,000 annually, replacing the previous monthly calculation system.

He said the change would provide fairer treatment for seasonal workers and employees who may work for multiple employers during the year.

The government is also expanding maternity support measures, ensuring more working mothers can access special maternity leave and benefits.

The changes will cover women with seasonal or parallel employment, adoptive mothers, and former self-employed women who become employees.

Free accommodation support for healthcare workers on islands

The Prime Minister highlighted a new partnership with the non-profit organisation Airbnb.org to provide free accommodation for NHS healthcare workers serving on five Greek islands.

Doctors and nurses working in Santorini, Paros, Ios, Rhodes and Tinos will receive free accommodation support for two months during the peak tourism season.

Mitsotakis said the initiative addresses the serious housing pressures faced by healthcare workers on popular islands.

He also highlighted upgrades at the Leros hospital, funded through Greece’s Recovery Fund, including improvements to emergency services, operating theatres, radiology facilities and the dialysis unit.

Thessaloniki and Alexandroupolis infrastructure projects

The Prime Minister announced progress on major infrastructure projects in northern Greece.

The redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre (TIF-HELEXPO) is moving forward, with plans including a 120-acre metropolitan park, increased green spaces and a modern exhibition and conference centre expected to be completed by 2030.

In Alexandroupolis, major port projects have been completed, including dredging works and a new road connection linking the port directly to the Egnatia motorway.

Mitsotakis said the upgrades would strengthen Alexandroupolis’ role in trade, energy and transport across Southeast Europe and the Balkans.

Road safety campaign expanded

With summer travel reaching its peak, Mitsotakis stressed the importance of road safety.

He said fatal road accidents fell by 31% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2019, and by almost 12% compared with last year.

However, he warned that there was no room for complacency.

New traffic cameras are being introduced, including 388 cameras in Attica, followed by 1,000 artificial intelligence-powered cameras and 250 cameras on buses.

“The safety of our roads ultimately depends on the behaviour of each one of us,” Mitsotakis said.

Ancient Agora restoration completed

Mitsotakis also highlighted cultural projects, including the completion of a €3 million upgrade of Athens’ Ancient Agora.

The works included improved visitor routes, accessibility upgrades for people with disabilities, new lighting, ticket facilities, shelters and visitor amenities.

Addressing criticism over the creation of the new Hellenic Heritage organisation, Mitsotakis rejected claims that Greece’s antiquities were being privatised.

He said the organisation would remain fully public and would focus on improving access, protecting monuments, upgrading facilities and ensuring all ticket revenue returns to the state and cultural sector.

Greek language gains international interest

The Prime Minister also praised growing global interest in learning Greek.

He said candidates for Greek language certification have increased significantly, reaching 13,184 this year compared with 3,692 in 2020.

Mitsotakis linked part of this renewed interest to international attention surrounding Christopher Nolan’s epic film “The Odyssey”, which has brought Greek history, mythology and culture back into global focus.

Mount Olympus receives UNESCO recognition

Mitsotakis celebrated UNESCO’s unanimous decision to include Mount Olympus on the World Heritage List.

Following Zagori and the Minoan Palace Centres of Crete, Mount Olympus becomes Greece’s 21st World Heritage site.

He said the recognition provides international protection for one of Greece’s most important natural and cultural landmarks.

Final summer message

Concluding his final weekly review before the summer break, Mitsotakis urged Greeks and visitors to enjoy the holidays safely and remain extremely cautious with fires.

“An uncareful action is enough to cause great damage,” he warned, wishing everyone a peaceful remainder of the summer.

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