Greece and Italy launch joint police patrols in Athens

Greece and Italy have launched joint police patrols in Athens as part of a security cooperation program. The initiative implements a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in May 2025 by Italy's Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, and Greece's Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis.

The program is coordinated by Italy's Service of International Police Cooperation (SCIP). During this initial phase, Italian officers are patrolling with the Hellenic Police in high-traffic tourist areas of Athens to provide assistance to visitors and enhance public security.

The partnership aims to combat organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, and other forms of cross-border criminality. Beyond tactical operations, the agreement seeks to improve public order and facilitate communication between police authorities and citizens of the two nations when traveling abroad.