Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis has warned that Europe is currently operating within a “war environment,” emphasizing the urgent need for increased vigilance and reinforced security measures across Greece.
In an interview with OPEN TV, the Minister stated that the current geopolitical situation necessitates concrete actions to ensure public safety.
“We are in a war environment, and therefore, every necessary measure must be taken to ensure we live in safety. This requires three things: vigilance and constant readiness; targeted measures for sensitive targets; and the protection of our borders to achieve maximum effectiveness,” he stated.
The danger of complacency in a war environment
Minister Chrysochoidis noted that while there are no current, specific intelligence reports regarding imminent organized attacks, the threat landscape remains volatile.
“It is perhaps too early for organized [operations], but they could occur in the future. They may be planning something for Europe—perhaps even after a ceasefire. Terrorist strikes often occur when everything seems quiet,” he remarked.
He underscored that the greatest risk to national security is a false sense of security. “The worst risk—the most precarious position—is complacency. I do not know what the targets are, and I cannot read their minds, but we are taking measures. One must implement comprehensive, horizontal measures to ensure our borders remain controlled and secure.”
Greece on alert; activates security operation
The Minister highlighted the strong collaboration between European security services, noting that there is a continuous exchange of intelligence, including with partners in the Middle East. “There is close cooperation with Gulf state services, which are typically well-informed,” he added.
Ultimately, he sought to reassure the public, emphasizing that Greece remains a safe country.
“In general terms, Greece does not harbor suspicious individuals. Our country has been safe in recent years regarding both internal risks and external infiltrations,” he noted. “We have not had anything notable, aside from the one case already made public by the Police. There is no need to cause public panic.”
According to a report in To Vima newspaper, Greece’s National Intelligence Service has entered a heightened state of alert following recent developments in the Middle East, activating a security operation known as “Desert Scorpion.”
The plan, implemented by the Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP), includes expanded monitoring and preventive security measures across the country as authorities assess the potential risks linked to the regional conflict.
European law enforcement agency Europol has warned that American military facilities in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as locations within Greece, could become potential targets of terrorist activity.