The Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, gave an address during the debate on the Draft Law of the Ministry of Finance for the ratification of the State Budget for 2020, which is held at the Plenary Session of the Parliament.

The key points of Mr. Panagiotopoulos’ address are the following:

• The adoption of the State Budget now marks the fact that Greece is officially entering a period of regularity, stability and Development.

• The 2020 Budget constitutes a budget of responsibility, justice and hope, which incorporates positive and improved growth rates in respect of budgetary estimates, budgetary surpluses, reduced unemployment and increase in significant indicators on the Economy.

• The Armed Forces constitute the parameter for guaranteeing the security environment that will allow citizens and corporations to develop their economic activity.

• It is a common perception that issues pertaining to National Defence should take precedence over any party political agenda.

• The time is ripe for the voting by all political parties in favor of the Ministry of Defence’s expenditure.

• All political parties in Parliament should vote tonight in favor of the Ministry of Defence’s expenditure, sending a message of civil concord, national unity and determination both inside and outside the country.

• Within the framework of 2020 Budget: a) the trend towards defence expenditure reduction is reversing; b) appropriations for remuneration increase slightly; c) operating expenses appear to be reduced by 48 million euro, within the framework though of a new reform by institutionalizing a Special Reserve.

• With regard to military procurement, appropriations remain on the same levels as in 2019, amounting to 530 million euro.

• MoD’s total budget is slightly increased compared to this year. However, there are two prospects: the additional planned aid by the Special Reserve and the allocation of additional funds for defence expenditure.

• The Prime Minister is convinced that the time has come for the reinforcement of the defence expenditure by means of additional funds.

• One of the Government’s initiatives is the revival of the domestic defence industry, initiated by its participation in the F-16 upgrading programme.

• The Armed Forces are combat effective, prepared and respond to the increasing challenges. The quality of weapon systems and human resources guarantees the highest deterrent effect and I make this clear to any direction.

• There were 4500 airspace violations by Turkish fighter aircrafts in 2019, but also 4500 interceptions by Greek aircrafts. We will do whatever it takes to always be by the Armed Forces’ side, to be there for them.

• It our mission to make the Armed Forces even better.

• The effort has a lasting effect. It should be intensified, become smarter and multi-faceted, because now more than ever security threats are being stepped up.

• The Armed Forces are “the fearsome sharpness of thy sword” and it is our duty to guarantee the conditions so that they would remain unchanged.