The European Council of December is absolutely crucial, as we will need to take important decisions on financial support for Ukraine, following on from commitments made by the European Council.
Our country supports Ukraine and will back any solution that can provide Ukraine with financial stability, so that the country can be safe and continue to defend itself against the Russian invasion.
We have stressed many times that any solution must be legally and financially secure and ensure that the funding Ukraine will receive and spend on equipment will take into account specific national priorities that Member States may have.
We will also discuss the Multiannual Financial Framework. This will be an initial discussion of what is expected to be a lengthy negotiation. Greece strongly supports the key European policies of Cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy, so that we can ensure that the necessary resources are available for these flagship policies to continue to create better conditions for all European citizens, as well as for our farmers and livestock breeders.
Finally, I would like to point out that although I am here at the European Council today, I believe that the heart of Greece is beating a few hundred kilometers from here, at the Lorient shipyard, where the national flag will be raised on the first of the four Belh@rra frigates, the frigate “Kimon”. I believe this is a moment that should make all Greeks proud.
The Greek government actively supports the Armed Forces, and the frigate “Kimon” is the best proof that our Armed Forces are now entering a new era.
Journalist: (Inaudible)
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: What is important is that we find a funding solution for Ukraine. Greece’s preference is clearly in favour of the reparations loan. We take note of the fact that the Russian assets have already been permanently immobilised, which I think is a very important political statement that we have sent to all involved parties.
I very much share the point made by the President of the European Council that we should not leave Brussels and the room in which we convened, without finding a solution that is legally sound and that solves Ukraine’s funding problems. Thank you.
