Of the many issues on the European Council’s agenda, allow me to highlight three that I consider particularly important.
The first issue concerns defense matters. It is clear that significant progress has been made on the issue of undertaking joint European initiatives for defense projects that concern all European countries.
I would like to express my satisfaction that the conclusions of the European Council include a 360-degree approach to European defence. This has always been Greece’s firm position.
I would also like to express my satisfaction that the Greek initiatives presented some time ago, such as a common anti-missile defence shield for the European Union, seem to be gaining momentum and are included in the European Commission’s roadmap, as presented a few days ago.
The second issue I would like to address is competitiveness. European competitiveness cannot exist without low energy prices, and it is clear that there are currently significant differences in energy prices between many European countries.
I am pleased because this is something that is now recognized, and the European Commission has made specific commitments on how we can achieve lower energy prices across Europe as a whole, so that there are no significant differences, which are detrimental to some Member States of the European Union.
The third issue, which I am pleased to see being discussed at European Council level, is housing. The Greek government has taken a number of initiatives to address the increased cost of housing.
I would like to mention, as an example, that at the end of November, a full month’s rent will be refunded to all tenants in our country, but it is very important to explain that this issue also has a European dimension and to consider how, in what way, the next European budget can use European resources to address this issue, especially for our fellow citizens who are renting houses.
Young Europeans must feel that owning their own home is not an unattainable dream.
Journalist: How would you comment on the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on Russian oil companies?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: First of all, I would like to express my satisfaction that the 19th package of sanctions has been agreed upon. Greece has always been in favor of the idea that sanctions can be effective and increase pressure on Russia, so that it can finally come to the negotiating table. We welcome the coordination between the United States and Europe.
Journalist: (Inaudible)
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: First of all, I’m happy about the fact that the issues around competitiveness and energy prices are on the agenda of the European Council. It is inconceivable to talk about European competitiveness without addressing the questions of energy. The green transition is agreed in terms of the climate neutrality goals for 2050, but this green transition needs to ensure that it does not undermine the competitiveness of the European industry and does not undermine European social cohesion.
I think the key word that we need to retain is the word ‘flexibility’. We need to move fast in terms of those technologies that are already mature, that can bring down CO2 emissions significantly, and we need to give more time to those technologies that are still immature or that cost a lot of money and ensure that we don’t impose unnecessary burdens on European industry.
