Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias visits the headquarters of the XXI Armoured Brigade (ΧΧΙ ΤΘΤ), in Komotini

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Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias visits the headquarters of the XXI Armoured Brigade (ΧΧΙ ΤΘΤ), in Komotini

February 13, 2026

The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, visited on Friday 13 February 2026 the headquarters of the XXI Armoured Brigade (ΧΧΙ ΤΘΤ) in Komotini, accompanied by the Chief HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis.

During the visit, which was attended by the Commander of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace Lieutenant General Panagiotis Kavidopoulos, the Minister of National Defence was briefed on the mission and activities of the brigade, as well as on the training provided to the Formation's personnel.

In his address, the Minister of National Defence noted:

«First of all, I would like to say that it is a great honour for me to be here today, in Komotini at the headquarters of the XXI Armoured Brigade, in a geographical area that marks the borders of Europe, but also, of course, the eastern borders of our Homeland.

You know, here in Thrace, the presence of Armed Forces takes on a different meaning. I think we all understand that.

However, I would like to make a special mention, beyond our Cadres, to their families.

Because this is very important to us. Ensuring the best possible living conditions for the families of our Cadres, as well as recognizing the fact that the support of our Cadres by their families here in the remote areas, here in Thrace, here in Komotini, is of particular importance.

We are therefore trying to create a housing programme that will improve the quality of life of our Cadres. And here in Thrace, as we were discussing, a total of 271 new homes are currently under construction. The programme is continuing, as you know. Nationwide, 10.500 homes will be built and another 7.000 will be renovated. It is the largest housing programme ever undertaken in the history of modern Greece.

Along with the rest of the social benefits package we are planning, i.e. nurseries, support for the elderly, assisted living, but also improving the quality and reducing the prices of goods provided at military stores, I believe that we can create a significant "package" that will improve the quality of life of Military Families.

However, I return to where I began my speech today. It is a great joy and honour for me to be here in Komotini today.

First of all, I was very happy to see my old friend and colleague, Euripides Stylianidis, here. A man with whom I have worked alongside for many years and continue to work alongside today.

I also had the opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art hospital being built by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. An asset for Greece. An asset for Thrace. And to witness the high morale of the region's residents.

Thrace is of enormous importance to Greece. I have said it before.

Here, too, we demonstrate our multiculturalism, our ability to coexist with the Muslim community, to be able to provide our Muslim fellow citizens with an amazing standard of living. An exceptional standard of living.

Because I would like to say that there is nothing more important that the standard of living that the European Union guarantees its citizens. A framework of complete protection of human rights, the application of the law, women's rights, and hope for a better future».

Then, Mr. Dendias visited His Eminence, the Metropolitan Panteleimonof Maroneia and Komotini at the Diocese of the Holy Metropolis. The Member of Parliament for Rodopi Euripides Stylianidis was also present at this meeting, as he was at the other meetings.

He then met with the Regional Governor for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace με Christodoulos Topsidis,with whom he discussed increasing the presence of the Armed Forces in Thrace through the «Agenda 2030» reform and the great geopolitical importance of the region, which was further highlighted by the development of the port of Alexandroupolis.

The Minister of National Defence also met with representatives of the Association of Reserve Officers of Rodopi, with whom he discussed the major changes to the reserve institutions brought about by the «Agenda 2030» reform.

As part of the collaboration with "Stavros Niarchos" Foundation to provide expertise to Military Hospital, the Minister of National Defence also visited the site of the Komotini General Hospital, which is under construction and is being built with a donation from the Foundation. The Minister was briefed on the new hospital by the Foundation's Board Member, Ambassador (ret.) Yannis Raptakis.

Following the visit to the Komotini General Hospital construction side, the Minister of National Defence stated:

«First of all, I would like to say that the design of the new hospital is truly impressive.

Renzo Piano has, I dare say, created a masterpiece. Combined with the forest that will surround the hospital, it may well become a unique architectural landmark.

However, that is not the most important aspect. What matters most is that health services of the highest standard will be provided to the people of Komotini, of Thrace, and - I dare say - of our wider Balkan neighbourhood. This represents a tremendous opportunity and a substantial improvement in the quality of life for residents of the broader region.

I would therefore like to express the warm gratitude of Greek society as a whole - not only of the Government - to the Niarchos Foundation and to its President, Andreas Drakopoulos. I hope that we will all be here together for the inauguration of this hospital, alongside Euripides Stylianidis, and that many more projects will be realized in Greece in the future."