The Minister of National Defense Dimitris Avramopoulos announced in Parliament that a recent deal struck so that the Navy can collect the four controversial submarines from ENAE (Skaramangas Shipyard) will not entail any further charges, beyond the 75.5 million euros that have already been allocated.
Mr. Avramopoulos explained that the rest of the details, such as the payment of shipyard employees, will be addressed by a legislative regulation. The shipyard employees will essentially work for the Navy and Ministry until the completion of the necessary work and tests.
All of the opposition parties, including SYRIZA, agreed with the Ministry’s management of the situation and consider the deal to be in the right direction, ensuring national interests. There were, however, some reservations regarding the employment relation of the shipyard employees, which derive from the government’s dispute with shipyard owner ENAE.
At present the Greek state and ENAE are in court, with the government accusing ENAE of having received payment for work that has not yet been completed and materials which have not been delivered. After meeting with the Minister of Growth to discuss the matter, the shipyard owner decided to release the submarines and negotiate a deal for the completion of construction.
