Mitsotakis warns Turkey's participation in EU defence funds requires strict conditions
Meeting in Athens, the Greek prime minister insisted that European defence funding cannot compromise the security concerns of member states.
- Mitsotakis set firm conditions for third-country participation in EU defence programmes.
- Greece called for fiscal flexibility in the EU to support households amid energy costs.
- Athens and Vilnius discussed preparations for Greece's 2027 EU Council presidency.
What it means for you: For Israelis following regional developments and Greek policy, these statements highlight Athens' firm stance on security and fiscal matters. Check official channels for updates on EU regulatory or economic policies.
Greek position on European defence funds
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has delivered a warning regarding Turkey's potential participation in European defence programmes, insisting that access to EU-funded security initiatives cannot come at the expense of member states' security interests.
Speaking in Athens after meeting Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Mitsotakis stated that countries seeking access to initiatives such as the European SAFE defence initiative must respect the security concerns of EU member states without conditions.
Fiscal flexibility and economy
Alongside security matters, the Greek prime minister called for greater flexibility in European fiscal rules as governments face pressure from rising energy costs. He noted that Greece had raised the issue with the European Commission, suggesting that additional VAT revenues from energy inflation could support households and businesses temporarily while maintaining fiscal stability.
Preparations for the 2027 EU Presidency
The meeting in Athens also focused on Greece's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027. Both leaders noted strong alignment on key EU priorities, viewing their close cooperation as an advantage in advancing European competitiveness, security, and strategic autonomy.
Yavanet will keep updating from official sources.
