Against the backdrop of developments in the Middle East, Ukraine and the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is in Cyprus to convey, among other things, his proposal for a plan B at the informal Summit amid critical geopolitical circumstances. The “26” (Viktor Orban is not present after his electoral defeat) had an initial meeting yesterday at Ayia Napa Marina and a working dinner, with the agenda determined by geopolitical upheavals in the Middle East and the need to strengthen the European economy as well as strategic autonomy. The proceedings conclude today in Nicosia at the “Filoxenia” Conference Center.
“I call on everyone to be pragmatic and have a plan B in case the crisis expands, as no state will be able to support the economy without European support,” the prime minister stated in the discussion he had with Antonio Costa in Delphi, characterizing the period as “critical” due to severe upheavals from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Mitsotakis noted that the international community faces a potential large-scale crisis that could directly affect supply chains, energy prices, agricultural production and the European economy overall.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: “Donald Trump is expected to visit our country soon”
It is noted that on the sidelines of the Delphi Economic Forum, the prime minister spoke to the American network Breitbart and journalist Matthew Boyle, highlighting that Donald Trump is expected to visit our country soon and making extensive reference to bilateral Greece-US relations, which he characterized as stronger than ever. “I can guarantee he will have a very good time. Greeks are proud of their hospitality,” Mitsotakis said, essentially announcing a visit by the American president to Athens within 2026.
Cyprus as the presiding country and Greece emphatically put on the table of the “26” the implementation of Article 42.7 of the Treaty of the European Union, which refers to a mutual defense assistance clause that stipulates that if a member state suffers an armed attack on its territory, other member states are obligated to provide assistance with all means at their disposal. This specific article was introduced in the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 and was activated for the first time by France after the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015.
Particular sensation and positive comments in Nicosia and Athens a few hours before the French president’s arrival in Greece were caused by Emmanuel Macron’s statement in the meeting he had with Nikos Christodoulides, that it is France’s duty to stand alongside countries facing difficulties. Macron emphasized that “when Cyprus is under attack, then the European Union is under attack.” At the summit, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will also underline the role our country plays as an energy player and the importance of electrical interconnections as well as the Vertical Corridor of natural gas, which ensure Europe’s independence from Russian sources.
The informal council has invited and is attended by leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Gulf Cooperation Council as well as Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Asked about the release of resources worth 90 billion euros for Ukraine, Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted: “Europe stands by Ukraine from the beginning of this war. These resources are necessary to ensure that Ukraine will continue to function as a state and be able to defend itself.” Earlier, Mitsotakis had a series of international contacts at the Maximos Mansion before departing for Cyprus. Initially he met with Valdis Dombrovskis in the context of the 7th installment of the Recovery Fund. The European commissioner confirmed the disbursement of an additional 1.18 billion euros to Greece, recognizing the progress of the Greek economy. Subsequently with his Latvian counterpart Evika Silina and European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos.
