Greece Boosts Ferry Subsidies to €167 Million, Launches New Island Initiatives

Photo credit: Maritime Ministry via News.GTP.gr Excerpt from News.GTP.gr

Greece has increased funding for ferry connections to its remote islands to 167 million euros in 2025, supporting 77 routes and strengthening vital links for small communities.

During the Panhellenic Small Islands conference, Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gkikas announced the expanded subsidy, which marks a sharp rise from 90 million euros in 2019, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving connectivity across the Aegean and Ionian.

“With the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 and the upcoming EU Strategy for Islands, the EU has a unique opportunity to recognize island regions as a strategic priority,” Gkikas said. “Greece, in turn, can leverage this European momentum for the development of its islands.”