Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed issues of Europe’s defense reinforcement, European interventions to prevent energy price disparities, and housing concerns in his statement upon arriving at the Brussels Summit.
As he stated, “it is clear that there has been progress on the issue of undertaking joint European initiatives for defense projects for all EU countries. I also express my satisfaction because the conclusions include Europe’s defense conception which extends to a 360-degree scope, which is a permanent Greek position. I am satisfied because the Greek initiatives that had been presented, such as a joint anti-missile defense system, are gaining momentum and are included in the Commission’s roadmap.”
Regarding European competitiveness, the Prime Minister emphasized that “it cannot exist without low energy prices. There are major disparities in European countries and I am pleased that this is recognized and the Commission has undertaken commitments on how we can eliminate these disparities.”
Mr. Mitsotakis also referred to housing, reminding that “the government has undertaken a series of initiatives for the high cost of housing, such as the rent refund on November 30.” However, he requested “to think about how European resources from the new European budget can also be used specifically for our fellow citizens who are renting. Europe’s young people must feel that acquiring a home is not an unattainable dream.”
When asked about related matters, the Greek Prime Minister also expressed his satisfaction that the 19th sanctions package against Russia was agreed upon: “Greece supports that sanctions can function as pressure on Russia to sit at the negotiating table; US-Europe coordination is welcome.”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ statement:
“Let me express my satisfaction that the European Council conclusions include Europe’s defense conception which extends to a 360-degree scope. This is something that has always been a permanent Greek position. Also, let me express my satisfaction because the Greek initiatives that were decided some time ago, such as a joint EU anti-missile defense system, seem to be gaining their own momentum and are included in the European Commission’s roadmap as presented a few days ago. The second issue I want to focus on is the matter of competitiveness.
European competitiveness without low energy prices cannot exist, and it is clear that today there are major disparities in energy prices between many European countries. I am pleased because this is something that is now recognized and the European Commission has undertaken specific commitments on how we can collectively achieve lower energy prices in Europe so that these disparities, which work against some EU member states, do not exist. The third topic I am pleased is being discussed at the European Council level is housing issues. The Greek government has undertaken a series of initiatives to address the increased cost of housing. Indicatively, I mention that at the end of November, a full month’s rent will be refunded to all tenants in our country. However, it is very important to explain that the issue also has a European dimension and to think about how the next European budget can use European resources to address this issue. Especially for our fellow citizens who are renting, young Europeans must feel that acquiring their own home is not an unattainable dream.”
