Greece and OECD sign 30month agreement to strengthen critical infrastructure resilience

The agreement seeks to facilitate the transfer of international expertise, develop specialised tools and enhance the operational capabilities of professionals responsible for protecting and managing the critical infrastructure assets within the NDF’s portfolio.

The initiative comes at a time when geopolitical tensions, climate change, extreme weather events, energy disruptions and cyberattacks are creating an increasingly complex risk environment for strategically important infrastructure. It also forms part of the National Development Fund’s broader strategy to upgrade asset management and transform its portfolio into a driver of economic growth.

The Cooperation Roadmap was signed by Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of the NDF, and Jack Radisch, representing the OECD, during an international workshop held on 5 and 6 November. The event was organised by the NDF’s Project Preparation Facility (PPF), in cooperation with the international organisation.

Ports, Airports and Energy Facilities at the Centre of Cooperation

The main objective of the partnership is to strengthen the capacity to prevent, assess and address risks that could disrupt the operation of critical infrastructure. Particular emphasis is being placed on port facilities, with climate resilience and emergency management emerging as key areas of discussion.

During the two-day workshop, participants examined the potential impact of international geopolitical developments, natural disasters, extreme weather events, energy supply disruptions and cyber threats on infrastructure operations.

Discussions focused on the need to establish comprehensive risk management mechanisms, improve emergency preparedness and adapt infrastructure to changing climatic and geopolitical conditions.

International experts from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands also contributed, presenting practices and experience in the protection and operation of critical infrastructure. The exchange of expertise was highlighted as a key prerequisite for adopting modern resilience standards and improving the management of cross-border risks.

Strong Institutional Participation in International Workshop

The two-day workshop brought together representatives of the Greek government, European and international organisations, institutional bodies, port authorities and specialised experts from Greece and abroad.

The event was addressed by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou, European Investment Bank Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris, the relevant Secretaries General Spyros Papageorgiou and Manos Koutoulakis, as well as National Development Fund CEO Giannis Papachristou.

The participation of representatives from different areas of public administration and the international community highlighted the cross-sectoral nature of the issue. Protecting critical infrastructure extends beyond the physical security of facilities, directly affecting energy security, supply chains, digital security and the overall functioning of the economy.

Expanding the Role of the PPF

Particular significance is attached to the expanding mandate of the National Development Fund’s Project Preparation Facility (PPF), which is now taking a more active role in preparing initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of the country’s critical infrastructure.

As NDF Deputy CEO Panagiotis Stampoulidis noted, the Fund’s new approach to managing and developing its portfolio assets is based on generating additional value and transforming them into drivers of economic growth and benefits for local communities.

Within this framework, infrastructure protection and resilience are becoming central priorities, as they are essential both to ensuring business continuity and to attracting investment.

The expansion of the PPF’s role therefore signals a broader transition from the preparation and implementation of strategic contracts towards a more comprehensive approach to critical infrastructure management, with an emphasis on prevention, security and long-term sustainability.

Over the 30-month duration of the partnership, cooperation with the OECD aims to establish a stable framework for knowledge transfer and operational preparedness, strengthening Greece’s ability to respond to complex crises and protect infrastructure that is vital to economic activity and national security.