SITESAP NEWS JANUARY 2025

12/1 Cutting of the Vasilopita of PENETIS

The president attended the Vasilopita cutting of PENETIS.

13/1 Cutting of the Vasilopita of SITESAP – EPEST

The joint cutting of the Vasilopita with EPEST was held.

The event was attended by the following:

• The Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Stefanos Gikas
• The Deputy Minister of the Interior, Mr. Vassilios Spanakis
• The 1st Vice Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Mr. Reizis Drosos
• The 2nd Vice Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Mr. Kontizas Tryfon
• The MP for the Southern Sector of Athens from ND, Mr. Dionysios Chatzidakis
• The MP for Kozani, Ms. Kalliopi Vetta, Head of Tourism Sector for SYRIZA-PS
• The host Mayor of Palaio Faliro, Mr. Giannis Fostiroploulos, whom we warmly thank for his hospitality
• The Deputy Mayor of Financial Services of Palaio Faliro Municipality, Mr. Alexandros Pantazis
• The Head of the Shipping Sector for PASOK and former MP, Mr. Dimitrios Diamantidis
• A member of the Shipping Department of SYRIZA, Mr. Thrasivoulos Stavridopoulos
• Officials from the Ministry of Shipping and the Coast Guard
• A member of the Board of Directors of the HCoS, and representative of professional recreational vessels, Mr. Vassilios Politis
• The General Secretary of SETE and a member of HCoS, Mr. George Vernicos
• The CEO of the Lavrio Port Authority, Mr. Georgios Vakondios

Representatives of Associations:

Union of Greek Ports - ELIME
Panhellenic Union of Yacht Crew - HYCA
Panhellenic Association of Captains and Crew of Recreational Vessels "PORTOLANOS"
Panhellenic Union of Professional Tourist Day Passenger Vessels - PENETIS
Union of Passenger Shipping Enterprises - SEEN
Union of Owners of Professional Tourist Vessels without Crew in the Port of Lavrio "HIPPOCAMPOS"

In their speeches, the presidents of the two associations made an assessment of the past year and predictions for the new year. They also presented the problems faced by the sector, such as the lack of infrastructure (marinas / winter storage spaces), the VAT rate on charters, and the application of Articles 8 & 9 of Law 4926/2022.

Unfortunately, once again, the participation of our members was small. The Board tries to present the sector’s problems in various meetings with the responsible authorities and aims to show the strength and size of the sector through events like this. This seems to not be understood by the members.

13/1 Balaskas Delicatessen Sponsorship

We would like to thank the company Balaskas Delicatessen for the kind sponsorship of supplies for the SITEAP - EPEST pie cutting event which will take place on Monday 13/01/2025.

16/1 Promotion by DINETHAT of our request for a meeting with EFKA regarding thepayment/insurance coverage of captains and auxiliary personnel.

Following the meeting with the General Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, DINETHAT sent a request to EFKA for a meeting with SITESAP to discuss the issues mentioned earlier.

21/1 EBI General Assembly

The president participated in the EBI General Assembly held in Dusseldorf. The meeting included a presentation of the activities and issues that currently concern the presidency. Current issues being discussed at the European level include: the creation of a common European Certificate for vessels, the determination of the end of a vessel& life and its recycling possibilities, a new serial number system for vessels, and the environmental impact of noisepollution caused by vessels. In the coming months, a meeting of EBI members with EuropeanCommission officials is planned in Brussels.

21/1 Cutting of the Vasilopita of HCOS

The cutting of the Vasilopita of HCOS took place. SITESAP was represented by the 1st VicePresident, Konstantinos Chioti and Treasurer Laurence Kambanos.

23/1 Meeting with the General Secretary of EBI

President Efthymios Bibis met with the General Secretary, Mr. Philip Easthill. During the meeting, issues related to Greece were discussed, and it was examined how EBI can contribute to their resolution.

28/1 Appeal to the Council of State (STE) regarding VAT on charters.

We were informed by the legal office of Mr. Skorinis that the rapporteur withdrew the case from the docket, as he deemed it had been delayed. Therefore, the case will be discussed through a faster process before a council. The reason for the delay, according to the rapporteur, is that the ministry has not sent the required documents to the Council of State despite requests.

29/1 Meeting at the Ministry of Health.

President Efthymios Bibis and the Officer of Public Relations, Eleni Vryoni, met with Mr. Ioannis Theodoratos, director of the office of Minister Adonis Georgiadis. The purpose of the meeting was to obtain the Ministry of Health&approval for the amendment of the content of pharmacies being prepared by the Ministry of Shipping. A positive response was received on the issue.

31/1 Amendment of SITESAP& Statute

Following its approval by the Athens Court of First Instance, the amendment to our statute, as decided by the General Assembly in March, was filed and registered with the Department of Companies and Associations of the Athens Court of First Instance. From this date, the modified statute and internal regulations are in effect. Updates will follow for the Tax Office and Banks.