By Antonis Tsimplakis

In a period of geopolitical turmoil and European changes, the new president of the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME), Apostolos Kamarinakis, is drawing up a strategy with four axes: green transition, digital transformation, interconnection with land networks and institutional representation.

He raised critical issues, such as the new port fees for cruises, the implementation of the European Entry-Exit system for the control of travelers in ports, and most importantly, the disbursement of European funds for infrastructure projects.

“The implementation of the measure for cruise fees began last July and soon there will be the first data on how it affected passenger behavior, total revenues and the progress of the projects to be financed,” he pointed out in his interview with Naftemporiki.

Referring to his recent meeting with the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, he emphasized that it was particularly productive, as the focus was on the prospects of Greek ports within the EU framework and the strengthening of funding for green and digital transition projects.

In fact, he noted that the Commissioner informed him that the amount available under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF – an EU financial tool) had been doubled, opening up new possibilities for Greece.

Kamarinakis underlined that the goal is to create a unified, resilient and competitive port system, capable of supporting the national economy and making the country a protagonist in the European supply chain

Piraeus Port Authority: Implementation of a New Scholarship Program for the academic year 2025-2026

The Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA) announced the implementation of a new Scholarship Program for the academic year 2025-2026. This initiative is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility actions, with the aim of supporting the new generation and enhancing its access to higher education.

The program offers ten scholarships totaling 30,000 euros to first-year students enrolled in Greek Universities, who are graduates of Greek Public General and/or Vocational High Schools and residents of the Municipalities of Piraeus, Perama, Keratsini-Drapetsona and Salamina. Each scholarship amounts to 3,000 euros and will be paid to the beneficiaries in one installment by December 31, 2025.

The PPA S.A. Scholarship Program seeks to substantially enhance access to higher education, actively support local communities and promote academic excellence at every level, confirming the company’s long-term commitment to society and the new generation, which is the core of future growth and innovation.

Interested parties can apply for the scholarship, provided that they meet the Program’s participation criteria.