The Greece Talks conference concluded a series of high-level discussions, with the participation of the Prime Minister, government officials, international personalities and representatives of the business and cultural world. Below are the highlights from each speaker, as recorded during the conference.
The conference served as a meeting point for the business ecosystem surrounding the “brand Greece”, offering space for meaningful collaborations and a genuine exchange of ideas.
Mitsotakis: I am both a politician and a technocrat, I have a 4-year contract with the people
The Prime Minister emphasized that “I am both a politician and a technocrat, I have a 4-year contract with the people”, highlighting the way in which he perceives his role.
In his statement on the contemporary characteristics of politics, he emphasized that “the most important virtue that a young person and a country should have is adaptability.” Regarding political accountability, he said: “As prime minister, I have signed a four-year contract with the Greek people…”, while referring to today’s public debate, he emphasized: “In today’s toxic environment… the feeling that everyone is a thief, everyone is corrupt… which young person will go through this ordeal of humiliation?”
He also referred to Alexis Tsipras’ book, noting that “it’s not in the books that I’m in a hurry to read.” Speaking about the new generation’s relationship with information, he said that technology has caused distraction, but “personal contact will remain irreplaceable.”
Referring to Crete and the phenomena of gun ownership, he said: “I am Cretan. I grew up with the theory of using weapons as entertainment… The State can no longer tolerate it and must demonstrate zero tolerance.” Regarding the murder that made headlines, she noted: “This is not a vendetta, it is a cold-blooded murder… It is a brutal murder.” She added that societies change and that we must “put these habits that are no longer tolerated in the dustbin of history.”
Guilfoyle: Get ready, there is a lot coming between Greece and the US
The American ambassador stated characteristically: “Get ready, there is a lot coming between Greece and the US – I would like to see Trump with me in Athens.” She emphasized that the cooperation between the two countries is not symbolic, but produces results, seeking to give Greece the role of an energy hub. For the port of Piraeus, she said that new opportunities for cooperation are being considered, integrated into a broader strategic framework. Ms. Guilfoyle referred to areas such as shipyards, supply systems, critical infrastructure and shared values.
Speaking about the possibility of a visit by top American officials, she stressed: “I am here, I don’t know how to explain it to you better… Secretary Rubio will come, we will have many visits and contacts. There will be a strong demonstration of relations in Greece… The sky is the limit”. She added: “We would very much like President Trump to come here”.
After several months of tension, behind-the-scenes negotiations, and public debate that at times tested the strategically important relationship between Greece and Egypt, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is traveling to the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai to attend the enthronement of the new Archbishop Simeon later today.
Mitsotakis: The most ambitious modernization program in the history of the Armed Forces is underway
We still need to complete both the exterior and interior of the building so that it is fully aligned with what the exterior transformation symbolizes. Defending our homeland is an absolute and non-negotiable priority. The most ambitious modernization program in the history of the Armed Forces is currently underway. Over the next 12 years, committed resources will exceed €28 billion.
We
have already acquired upgraded Rafale and F16 Viper fighter jets, and soon F-35 aircraft. This gives the Air Force a strategic deterrent superiority. The Navy is being modernized with the Belharra frigates. All of this is happening while we are also advancing numerous unmanned systems. The Armed Forces are being strengthened and modernized like never before.
What Mitsotakis emphasizes is a dual understanding of defense: it is not limited to military strength but also extends to the cultural and historical heritage of the country. In other words, defending the homeland includes preserving its identity, values, and the memory of ancestors who sacrificed themselves for freedom.
Kostas Varotsos’ sculpture honoring the 121,000 fallen serves exactly as a visual and emotional symbol of this memory. It is a way to remember that the history and sacrifices of the past constitute a form of “power” in the sense of cultural and national cohesion.
If you want, I can also provide a brief analysis of the symbolism of this particular sculpture and how it fits into the narrative of the modernization of the Armed Forces.
At the podium, the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias
Dendias:
“The new appearance represents a change in the philosophy of the Armed Forces The evolution of an institutional building signifies change and progress. The new facade of the building reflects the new image of the armed forces. It marks the major reform of the Agenda 2030, through which we are implementing changes in structures. The new image is not merely an aesthetic intervention, but a symbol of adaptation to new conditions—a change in the philosophy of the Greek Armed Forces. We can now think beyond the ugly concrete box that the building had been for decades.”
“Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias announced the launch of a competition for the design of the Unknown Soldier Monument, emphasizing its role as a symbol of national unity and shared historical memory. He stressed that the monument is not merely a work of funerary art but represents uplift and elevation. Its materials and form—the straight metal and vertical lines—evoke a sense of solidity and Doric simplicity, pointing toward the future, while also recalling the traditional fustanella and ancient Greek columns, thus connecting historical tradition with the present day.”
Evangelos Mytilineos
“The new command center was created by Greek hands. The new bioclimatic façade faces the 121,000 names of the fallen of the Nation. From here, it radiates across the entire territory—by land, sea, and air. I am proud because this command center was built by Greek hands.”
Architect Kostas Varotsos
“When the Minister first called me, I was anxious about what I would encounter — it was truly an experience for me. To my great surprise, a miracle happened. Everyone here at the General Staff embraced this effort. We all aimed to make a cultural proposal for Athens and, more broadly, for Greece.”
“They gave me the names of the 121,000 people who fell so that we could be here and do what we do. I didn’t want to place them in a grave; I wanted them to hover. I invite you, as you leave, to pass by the monument and see them. Only the military can show how important peace is, because the military knows what war truly means.”
The project covers the southern façade, which spans 340 meters, with 730 vertical rows of white aluminum louvers, each 30.5 meters high. These are designed to improve the building’s thermal performance and provide a unified architectural identity.
The new façade is part of a broader architectural ensemble that includes the “Ark of National Memory” monument by sculptor Kostas Varotsos, which bears the engraved names of 121,692 fallen heroes from Greece’s national struggles.
“This building stands on Ancient Greek history with its folds. It is an open building, a bright building, and it does not hide anything. I want to conclude with a big ‘thank you’ to all the people who worked on these two projects. I want to thank the minister who took the risk of inviting me to carry out these projects.”
Manolis Mitsias performs “Pos na sopaso” (“How Can I Keep Silent”) — a song by Nikos Xylouris and Stavros Xarhakos, 1972.
A new era has begun for the MInistry of National Defense, as the new bioclimatic façade of its central building on Mesogeion Avenue is being presented today.
The transformation of this historic building, originally constructed in the 1960s, marks a significant step forward in the fields of architecture and environmental sustainability.
The unveiling ceremony takes place on Wednesday afternoon, in the presence of President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias.
The project bears the signature of internationally acclaimed sculptor and professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Kostas Varotsos, and architectural engineer Chrysanthi Asproulopoulou. The two artists worked closely together to completely redesign the building’s façade, giving it a new identity that combines artistic expression, functionality, and energy efficiency.
The renovated building merges artistic creativity with environmental innovation, transforming what was once a strict and austere structure into a bright, modern, and dynamic construction.
A new era has begun for the Ministry of National Defence, as the new bioclimatic facade of its central building on Mesogeion Avenue is unveiled today.
The transformation of this historic building, originally constructed in the 1960s, marks a major advance in the field of architecture and environmental sustainability.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Wednesday afternoon, in the presence of President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias.
More details about the renovation and future plans for the building are expected to be revealed at the event. The project is signed by the internationally acclaimed sculptor and professor of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Kostas Varotsos, and the architect and engineer Chrysanthi Asproulopoulou. The two artists worked closely together to radically redesign the building’s façade, giving it a new identity that combines artistic expression with functionality and energy efficiency.
The remodeling work began months ago, focusing on initial interventions mainly in ancillary buildings, to culminate in a radical overhaul of the whole. The renovated building combines artistic expression with environmental innovation, transforming the once austere and cold structure into a bright and contemporary structure.
Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to view stunning images and videos highlighting the innovative approach to the renovation. Bioclimatic retrofitting promotes sustainability and is a model for future public projects.
Protest earlier outside the Ministry
Earlier, Federations and Associations of active and retired officers held a protest gathering at Armed Forces Square, across from the Ministry of National Defense, in reaction to the Ministry’s multi-bill.
