Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has delivered a pointed message to Ankara from Greece's easternmost island, warning that Greece "does not threaten anyone, but does not accept threats or dictates from anyone," as he marked the 83rd anniversary of Kastellorizo's liberation.
Mr. Mitsotakis said Greece is ready to defend its national integrity and sovereign rights, calling dialogue "a choice of confidence and faith in international law."
He said the island's message extends beyond national borders since its territory is also European, and that Athens' door remains closed to "revisionist ambitions" while open to mutual respect and international legality.
The prime minister also reflected on the island's political symbolism, noting it was from Kastellorizo in 2010 that then-Prime Minister George Papandreou announced Greece's entry into its first bailout program. Mr. Mitsotakis said that image "saddened" the country but no longer reflects today's reality.
Alongside his remarks, Mr. Mitsotakis announced a package of economic incentives for the island, including a permanent €5,000 annual salary bonus for public servants, police and military personnel stationed there.
New and existing residents who stay at least one year will receive a tax-free, non-seizable €5,000 annual incentive, rising by €1,000 per minor child, with payments to current residents starting in early 2027 and to new arrivals from 2028.
The government also pledged an additional weekly subsidized ferry route connecting Piraeus, Rhodes and Kastellorizo starting next year, along with infrastructure upgrades to the island's port, airport, road network and desalination facilities.
Hellenic Energy will fully renovate old housing stock to provide free accommodation for public sector workers including doctors, teachers and port authority staff.
Mr. Mitsotakis said the measures form part of a single, coherent policy ensuring there are no "two-speed citizens" in Greece.