Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias attended the Armed Forces’ annual “Friend of the Environment” award ceremony on Monday, 22 June 2026, held in the “Ioannis Kapodistrias” Hall at the Ministry of National Defence.
The distinction for 2025 was awarded to the 871st Fuel Supply Base Depot (871 ABEK) in recognition of the environmental initiatives it implemented throughout the year.
Addressing the ceremony, Dendias emphasized that environmental protection has become an integral part of the Ministry’s broader mission.
“This Ministry reflects a new approach and a new mindset, recognizing that environmental responsibility and environmental protection are part of the wider purpose of the Ministry of National Defence,” he said. “They are essential to the future of Hellenism, and it is therefore our duty to safeguard them.”
The minister also noted that the Ministry is currently implementing 21 energy-efficiency upgrade projects at military facilities, with a total budget exceeding 50 million euros, financed through European resources.
The annual “Friend of the Environment” award is one of the Armed Forces’ honorary distinctions and is presented collectively to units whose actions and initiatives make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection.
Such initiatives include reducing energy consumption, conserving water resources, limiting waste generation, improving waste management practices, reducing environmental impact, and promoting environmental awareness and training among personnel.
The award-winning unit is selected following nominations submitted by the General Staffs and an evaluation process conducted by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS).
The ceremony was attended by senior Armed Forces officers. On behalf of the 871st Fuel Supply Base Depot, the award was received by its commander, Colonel (Military Supply Corps) Athanasios Tsioumas.
