As European Union leaders convene in Brussels to discuss pressing issues such as economic pressures, energy security, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will advocate for measures to alleviate rising energy costs. The summit, taking place on Thursday and Friday, provides a platform for Mitsotakis to push for targeted and temporary support aimed at households and businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, affected by the energy price surge linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Greece is keen on maintaining fiscal stability while enhancing cross-border energy connections and completing the EU’s internal energy market. The Greek government sees the current energy crisis as a reflection of Europe’s competitiveness challenges and underscores the urgency of strengthening energy security without compromising long-term climate goals.
In discussions about the EU’s next long-term budget, Greece is set to oppose further cuts in funding for regional development and agriculture. Athens argues that new priorities such as defense, security, and innovation necessitate increased resources. The Greek government is open to exploring new sources of EU revenue, on the condition that they do not disproportionately affect less-developed economies.
Mitsotakis is also likely to support a merit-based approach to EU enlargement while resisting efforts to tie membership negotiations to changes in the bloc’s decision-making processes. Migration will be another focal point for Greece at the summit, with a call for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders and the establishment of a common European response mechanism to sudden increases in migration flows.