Strategic plan to upgrade Greece into a transport and logistics hub

Speaking at the BLUE STRATEGY SUMMIT 2026, Mr. Kyranakis emphasised that geopolitical developments following the war in Ukraine and the restructuring of supply chains in Europe are creating a new field of opportunities for countries with a strategic geographical position, such as Greece.

Objective: strengthening European production

The Deputy Minister underlined the need to bring production activities back to Europe, with a particular focus on rolling stock and railway infrastructure, noting that dependence on Asian production has reduced the strategic autonomy of the European Union.

As he stated, China is no longer competing solely on cost but also on quality, which intensifies the need to strengthen Europe’s industrial base.

Potential production units in Elefsina and Volos

Within this context, Mr. Kyranakis outlined a government plan for the creation of train maintenance and co-production facilities in Greece, with potential locations in Elefsina and Volos.

He noted that international partnerships are already underway, involving foreign companies, including partners from South Korea, while Greece is seeking to leverage European funding instruments that are now linked to military mobility and freight transport projects.

He specifically referred to the refurbishment of ISAP train sets in Volos as an example of developing domestic know-how and generating added value in the sector.

The role of the vertical transport corridor

A key point of his speech was the Baltic–Black–Aegean vertical rail corridor, which aims to connect the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and the Aegean via Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece.

According to him, this corridor is gaining significant geostrategic importance as it creates an alternative transport route bypassing the Bosporus Straits, thereby strengthening both trade and military mobility in the region.

Particular reference was made to the role of Alexandroupoli, which is gradually being upgraded into a critical hub of the European transport network, while the €277 million funding for the upgrade of the Alexandroupoli–Ormenio rail connection was also highlighted.

New logistics hubs in Greece

In the same context, the Deputy Minister highlighted the role of Elefsina, Thessaloniki, and Volos as future gateways for trade and logistics, integrated into the national and European rail network.

He stressed that Greece is at a critical juncture where it can significantly strengthen its position in transport and production by taking advantage of new European priorities and the reconfiguration of global supply chains.

“There is an opportunity for production, exports, rolling stock maintenance, and the creation of new jobs. If we do not seize it, other countries will,” he concluded.