At the European Council summit in Brussels, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to advocate for measures to address the rising energy costs impacting households and businesses across Europe. The summit, which takes place on Thursday and Friday, will focus on economic pressures, energy security, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Mitsotakis plans to push for targeted and temporary support aimed particularly at small and medium-sized enterprises grappling with increased energy prices due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In his address, he will emphasize the necessity of maintaining fiscal stability, enhancing cross-border energy connections, and finalizing the EU’s internal energy market. According to Greece, this energy crisis underscores the competitiveness challenges Europe faces, alongside the need to bolster energy security while adhering to long-term climate commitments.
Additionally, Greece will oppose any further reductions in funding for regional development and agriculture in the EU’s upcoming long-term budget. Athens argues that new priorities, such as defense, security, and innovation, demand additional financial resources. The Greek government is open to exploring new EU revenue sources, as long as they do not disproportionately affect less-developed economies.
On the issue of EU enlargement, Mitsotakis is expected to advocate for a merit-based approach to membership negotiations, resisting any attempts to tie these talks to changes in the bloc’s decision-making processes. Migration is another key topic for Greece, with Mitsotakis calling for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders and the establishment of a common European mechanism to address unexpected surges in migration.