The case dates back to the year 2000, when the Greek government ordered new submarines essential for the country’s defense from a German company. The first submarine (“PAPANIKOLIS”) was built in Germany, while the remaining ones were to be constructed at the Skaramagas Shipyards, which had been acquired by the same German manufacturer. Despite the Greek state having already paid around €2 billion and with five submarines near completion, the German side unilaterally terminated the contracts and initiated international arbitration proceedings.

The Greek parliament approved by a wide majority vote on Wednesday a draft law founding a defense innovation center in the Armed Forces, among other issues.

The allocation of an additional sum of  10.3 million euros for the completion of additional work and the full operational performance of Hellenic Navy submarines, the rectification of damage resulting from ongoing tests and the maintenance of escort ships required for the completion of the submarine tests, is included in an amendment of the Ministry of National Defense to the draft law of the Ministry of Justice entitled "Code of Judicial Officers".