As European Union leaders convene for a summit in Brussels, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to advocate for measures to alleviate surging energy costs, a pressing issue exacerbated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The summit, taking place on Thursday and Friday, will tackle various pressing topics, including energy security, economic pressures, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Mitsotakis plans to push for targeted and temporary support aimed at households and small to medium-sized enterprises, which are particularly vulnerable to the rising energy prices. His agenda emphasizes the necessity of maintaining fiscal stability, enhancing cross-border energy connections, and finalizing the EU’s internal energy market. Greece perceives the current energy crisis as a revelation of Europe’s competitiveness challenges and underscores the importance of bolstering energy security while adhering to long-term climate goals.
On the subject of the EU’s forthcoming long-term budget, Greece is poised to resist further cuts in regional development and agriculture funding. Athens argues that the expanding priorities, including defense, security, and innovation, call for increased financial resources. The Greek government is open to exploring new sources of EU revenue, provided they do not disproportionately impact less-developed economies.
Additionally, Mitsotakis is expected to advocate for a merit-based strategy concerning EU enlargement, while opposing efforts to link membership negotiations with modifications to the bloc’s decision-making processes. Migration also ranks high on Greece’s agenda, with calls for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders and the establishment of a common European mechanism to handle sudden surges in migration.