On Brussels for the crucial summit, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with his priority for our country in the new MFF 2028–2034 being the protection of Cohesion Fund resources and the CAP.
The new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 (MFF), global macroeconomic balances, the latest developments in Ukraine and the Middle East, European defense and security, are the key topics on the agenda for the 27 EU leaders at the Summit today and tomorrow in Brussels, with the Greek Prime Minister in attendance.
Regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework, the leaders’ discussion will focus on the new negotiating framework (Nego-Box) proposed by the Cypriot Presidency (for the first time with indicative figures).
Greece’s position, which the Prime Minister has also publicly articulated, is that the ambitious goals of the EU must be aligned with a European budget of ambitious scale. The revenue of the new budget (existing and new own resources, as well as other sources of funding) must also serve the EU’s increased strategic and investment priorities.
A priority for our country remains the protection of funds for Cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy, as well as ensuring that efforts to strengthen European competitiveness do not result in greater disparities among EU member states and regions.
At the same time, and based on the positive experience of the Recovery Fund, the prime minister has repeatedly advocated for joint European financing, including joint European borrowing, to finance investments in common European goods, such as energy and defense.
Increasing competitiveness is a priority
In the debate on the EU’s competitiveness and global macroeconomic balances, Greece’s position is that the priority must be to increase the competitiveness of the European economy, which is a key determinant of the trade deficit with China. Government sources note that, without underestimating the role of other factors, such as industrial subsidies that lead to artificially lower prices, the fundamental problem lies in Europe’s own weaknesses.
These include the high cost of energy, obstacles to the functioning of the Single Market, and the financial fragmentation of the European continent. For these reasons, Greece—they point out—strongly supports the necessary investments and reforms in the European energy market, the deepening of the Single Market, and rapid progress toward the completion of the Savings and Investment Union.
With regard to security and defense, the Prime Minister’s stated position—which he is expected to reiterate— is that collective European defense must address threats to the entire continent—in other words, a substantive 360-degree approach.
Immediate restoration of freedom of navigation
In the discussion on the Middle East, it is noted that Greece has, from the very beginning, advocated for de-escalation and the need to find a diplomatic solution. Our country welcomes the latest developments and insists—as the Prime Minister has stated—on the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and immediately restoring freedom of navigation. Greece is also participating in the Franco-British initiative on the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister’s Schedule
The Prime Minister will at 16:00 Greek time will take part in the EPP Leaders’ Summit and then in the European Council Leaders’ Summit at 7:00 p.m. Greek time.
Earlier, at 12:00 p.m. Greek time, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be the keynote speaker at a high-level event in Brussels titled “Greece’s National Social Pact: A European Model for Social Dialogue.” This event highlights the Greek example as a model to be emulated and as a benchmark for social dialogue at the European level.
The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Niki Kerameos, European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Minzatu, responsible for Social Rights, Skills, Quality Jobs and Resilience, and Seamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee.
