Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed key issues including European defense, migration, and the Cyprus issue in his statements upon his arrival at the EU Summit of the leaders, taking place in Brussels today, March 20.
Initially, Mitsotakis remarked on the Cyprus issue, expressing his satisfaction with the results of the Geneva five-party meeting that took place at the beginning of this week. He highlighted the efforts of Greece and Cyprus in keeping the discussion on the island’s reunification alive within the framework of United Nations resolutions and Security Council decisions.
Mitsotakis emphasized the significance of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointing a special envoy and setting new deliverables for the summer’s planned negotiations.
Turning to European defense matters, the prime minister welcomed the European Union’s presentation of its White Paper on defense. He specifically commended the inclusion of long-standing Greek positions now being adopted as EU policies.
These include provisions for fiscal flexibility that would allow member states to increase defense investments, alongside the creation of a European fund worth 150 billion euros to support defense spending. This initiative is designed to bolster Europe’s strategic autonomy while also limiting the financial burden on countries that are EU members or have agreements with the Union.
Wrapping up his statements, the Mitsotakis also touched upon the migration issue. He outlined Greece’s position on the proposed return regulation, emphasizing the country’s long-standing approach that prioritizes both the protection of external borders and the swift return of individuals who have not been granted asylum.
Mitsotakis expressed anticipation for the upcoming list of safe countries of origin. “We are eagerly awaiting the new list of safe countries of origin so that our country can proceed with greater speed,” he noted.
Additionally, he revealed the new directive issued to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s leadership, stating: “The new approach is clear: anyone entering the country illegally and not granted asylum should be returned to the country from which they came. It is crucial that we have European tools to support this effort.”
