Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to urge the European Union to implement measures that would alleviate rising energy costs during the European Council summit in Brussels this Thursday and Friday. The meeting, which involves EU leaders, will address pressing issues such as economic pressures, energy security, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Mitsotakis plans to advocate for targeted and temporary support aimed at households and businesses, particularly focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises. This push comes amidst escalating energy prices linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, he will emphasize the necessity of maintaining fiscal stability, enhancing cross-border energy connections, and completing the EU’s internal energy market. Greece views the current energy crisis as a reflection of Europe’s competitiveness challenges and stresses the importance of strengthening energy security while upholding long-term climate commitments.
On the subject of the EU’s forthcoming long-term budget, Greece intends to resist further cuts in funding for regional development and agriculture. The Greek government argues that the expanding array of priorities, including defense, security, and innovation, demands increased resources. While open to new sources of EU revenue, Greece insists that these should not impose an undue burden on less-developed economies.
Mitsotakis is also expected to advocate for a merit-based approach to EU enlargement, opposing any efforts to tie membership negotiations to changes in the bloc’s decision-making procedures. Migration will be another focal point for Greece, with the country pushing for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders and the establishment of a common European mechanism to handle sudden surges in migration.