As European Union leaders gather at the European Council summit in Brussels, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to emphasize the need for measures to alleviate rising energy costs. The summit, taking place on Thursday and Friday, will address a range of pressing issues including economic pressures, energy security, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Mitsotakis is expected to advocate for targeted and temporary support aimed at households and businesses, particularly focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises that are feeling the strain of increasing energy prices. These price hikes are partly attributed to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for energy supplies.
In addition to seeking immediate relief, the Greek Prime Minister will highlight the importance of fiscal stability and the development of cross-border energy connections. He will also push for the completion of the EU’s internal energy market, arguing that the current energy crisis underscores the challenges to Europe’s competitiveness and the need to bolster energy security while adhering to long-term climate commitments.
On the matter of the EU’s next long-term budget, Greece stands against further reductions in funding for regional development and agriculture. The Greek government contends that additional resources are necessary to address emerging priorities such as defense, security, and innovation.
Greece is open to exploring new sources of EU revenue, provided these do not disproportionately impact less-developed economies. Furthermore, Mitsotakis is anticipated to support a merit-based approach to EU enlargement and will oppose linking membership negotiations to changes in the bloc’s decision-making processes.
Migration will also be a focal point for Greece during the summit. The country will advocate for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders and propose the establishment of a common European mechanism to manage sudden increases in migration levels.
