In the presence of the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, today Wednesday 24 September 2025, the Joint Ministerial Decision was signed by the Alternate Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis and the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis for the implementation of an integrated framework of psychological and psychometric evaluation for the personnel which daily executes critical security duties at the railway.

The Joint Ministerial Decision which was signed at a special event in the “Ioannis Kapodistrias” hall of the Ministry of National Defence, was stipulated in cooperation with the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, on behalf of which it is signed by the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, responsible for Fiscal Policy, Thanos Petralias. It will be materialised under the responsibility of the company “Greek Railways” Single-Member Inc. with the decisive contribution and technical know-how of HNDGS.

The exams include psychometric tests for memory, attentiveness, concentration and communication, psychokinetic tests evaluating response speed and coordination, as well as evaluation of comportment and personality, emphasising sentimental control and reliability. Moreover, an interview by specialised psychologists is stipulated.

The decision stipulates different categories of evaluation: the selectional, during the hiring of personnel· the initial, during the initiation of service· the periodical, in regular points in time· as well as the non-scheduled, when special needs or occasions arise.

The Joint Ministerial Decision stipulates a transitional implementation, with the first pilot evaluation of 60 employees and is considered in force since its publication at the Government Gazette.

The process is materialised by Special Professional Aptitude Committees, with the participation of members of the Armed Forces, representatives of “Greek Railways” Single-Member Inc. and a member of the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection.

HNDGS undertakes the constant adjustment and update of the psychometric tests, guaranteeing their quality and reliability. At the same time, the full protection of personal data is guaranteed, as per the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

After the signing of the Joint Ministerial Decision, the Minister of National Defence stressed in his pertinent remarks:

“It is a great pleasure to be here today at the event of the signing of a Joint Ministerial Decision between the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

However, it is a decision with particular gravitas, because it is a decision which institutionally enhances the security and reliability, in a field of strategic importance for our country and also, I have to say, for the Greek society.

The cooperation of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff with the “Greek Railways” Single-Member Inc. constitutes a tangible proof that the Greek State can utilise the know-how, experience and demanding specifications already present in the Armed Forces, for the defence of the wider public interest and in the service of the Greek society.

The Armed Forces have a constitutional role, to serve the security of the Greek citizens, but we have to examine that in a wider context. It is not solely about the borders. It is also about the everyday social lives of the Greeks.

This particular regulation – and I would like to thank the dear colleague, Mr Kostas Kyranakis for the inspiration of this approach – sets the Greek citizen at the epicentre, the human, the passenger of the Hellenic Railways.

It enhances the control and prevention systems and at the same time it establishes a framework of absolute transparency and meritocracy. Thus, it guarantees that the critical posts will be staffed by personnel with the necessary professional proficiency, but also the psychological proficiency.

I would like to congratulate Mr Kyranakis, but allow me to self-praise and also congratulate the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr Thanasis Davakis, and all those staff officers and members of our Ministry and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, who laboured for this cooperation which is completed with the signing of this significant Joint Ministerial Decision.

Thank you very much. Welcome to the Ministry, dear colleague”.

The Alternate Minister of Infrastructure & Transport made the following statement regarding the event:

“We want a workforce which is called to manage human lives on a daily basis, to be evaluated in every danger scenario and to be fully aware of the responsibility they bear during the exercising of their duties. With the new training model of the employees which includes the conduct of psychometric and medical tests, this is exactly what we achieve and I want to warmly thank the Minister Nikos Dendias, as well as the Deputy Minister Thanasis Davakis for the valuable contribution of HNDGS.

The obligatory aptitude tests to which the employees are called to respond, during their hiring as well as during the regular evaluation after the hiring, will include tests on reflexes, psychometric exams, tests by utilising simulators, general medical exams, senses exams, blood tests for narcotic substances, theoretical knowledge test, elocution, crisis management under pressure scenarios.

The upgrade of the security level at the Greek railway has been our prime target since day one and today, altogether, we are placing the foundations for one of the most significant pillars of this endeavour”.