“Greece does not negotiate with anyone the deployment of its defense forces,” declared Kyriakos Mitsotakis after the EU Summit, while addressing the significant challenges Greece faces, from the energy crisis and economic impacts of price increases to strengthening defense cooperation in the region. He emphasized the activation of the mutual defense clause for Cyprus.
Mitsotakis on energy crisis: “Opens the door for more flexibility in national and European measures”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that regional conflicts continue to burden energy and fuel prices, creating significant economic pressures. As he noted, the government is ready to take measures within its fiscal capabilities, while the European Union must develop a strategy and toolkit to prevent complete energy collapse. “There was a formulation that opens the door for more flexibility in taking national and European measures. The government is ready to address the impacts within its fiscal capabilities,” the prime minister stated.
Support for Cyprus
The prime minister highlighted European solidarity and Greece’s support for Cyprus, with air and naval assistance that activates the mutual defense clause of Article 42, paragraph 7 of the EU. Additionally, he emphasized the need for a clear roadmap for future operational plans. “The President of the European Commission and Ms. Kallas recognized the need for a clear roadmap for activating the clause,” the prime minister stressed, underscoring the importance of strengthening Greece’s defense autonomy.
Patriot systems in Saudi Arabia and criticism of Turkey
Regarding the Patriot systems, the prime minister emphasized they have been there since 2021 and are part of a broader strategy to protect critical infrastructure. Greek armed forces demonstrated their operational readiness, preventing potential attacks that could have skyrocketed oil prices. Additionally, Greece and France proposed a moratorium that would exclude strikes on energy facilities in the Iran and Gulf region. When asked about Turkey, Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that its claims are legally unfounded and untimely, noting that Greece does not negotiate the deployment of its defense forces.
“Greece protects its borders”
The prime minister reiterated that Greece protects its borders and has no knowledge of claims about illegal pushbacks, emphasizing that the country owes no apologies for guarding its borders. “Greece protects its borders and I have no knowledge of these claims,” he stated
