Today, Wednesday 16 June 2021, the Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos presented during the Parliament Plenary Session’s discussion on the Draft Law of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs “On the Protection of Labour” , an amendment which aims to establish the unobstructed granting of tax and insurance clearance, as well as the suspension of enforcement and administrative procedures, at the expense of the movable and the immovable property of the “Hellenic Defence Systems” S.A.

In his statement the Minister highlighted the following:

“ Ladies and Gentlemen

Members of the Parliament ,

The MoD Amendment submitted under Submission No. : 929 Special No. 62/11-6-2021 to the Draft Law of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs entitled: “For the Protection of Labour – Establishment of an Independent Authority “Labour Inspection” –Ratification of Convention 190 of the International Labour Organisation to eradicate violence and harassment in the world of work- Ratification of Convention 187 of the International Labour Organisation in the context of the Promotion of Occupational Safety and Health – Incorporating the EU Directive (Ε.Ε.) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and Council dated 20 June 2019 on the work-life balance, concerns the support of the work executed by and securing the sustainability of the Hellenic Defence Systems S.A. , one of the basic pillars of the domestic defence industry.

By means of the proposed provisions articles 125 and 126 of law 4446/2016 are amended and we aspire to the unobstructed granting of tax and insurance clearance, as well as the suspension of enforcement and administrative procedures at the expense of the movable and the immovable property of the “Hellenic Defence System” S.A. for another twelve (12) months, i.e., until 22 June 2022.

This will decisively facilitate the further participation of the HDS S.A. in public tenders concerning works or procurements, as well as the collection of money by the public sector and the continuation of its operation and involvement in the production and trading of weapons, ammunition and war material, together with the conclusion of pending contracts with the Hellenic State, elements inextricably linked with national defence and security.

This way we will secure the proper functioning of the administrative procedures of the HDS S.A. which will allow it to continue providing its unimpeded support to the mission of the Armed Forces. This is why we deem the voting for the proposed provision absolutely necessary.

Thank you for your attention.