Alexandra Voudouri (Kathimerini): Good evening, Mr. Prime Minister. The European Council finally agreed on a bridge loan, based on joint borrowing, to finance Ukraine. What will be the fiscal implications of this solution? And, on the other hand, do you believe that there is now the political ground for a more permanent form of fiscal solidarity, or will we continue to rely on ad hoc solutions in response to crises?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: First of all, there was an extensive discussion that examined both financing options for Ukraine proposed by the European Commission.
I believe that the solution that was chosen, namely a loan from the margin of the European budget, which means that it has practically no financial consequences for any European country, was the appropriate solution, given the complexity and legal difficulties of the task of utilizing the “frozen” Russian funds at this time, a possibility that was not ruled out in the conclusions we agreed on, but which still needs more time to be worked out if we decide to go down that route.
In any case, the message sent by the European Council is that Ukraine can cover its financial needs for the immediate future and that Europe stands firmly by Ukraine’s side, using, as I said, the margin of the European budget, without any practical financial consequences for the Member States.
Nadin Chardalia (SKAI): Good morning from me too. I would like to focus briefly on the Multiannual Financial Framework, Mr. Prime Minister. You pointed out, upon your arrival at the Summit, that the resources for Cohesion and Agricultural Policy are very important for Greece. I wanted to ask whether, in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, you see any risk that the resources needed for Ukraine’s defense will “sacrifice” others that are important for Greece and other Member States.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: I think we are getting ahead of ourselves a little, Ms. Chardalia. Essentially, discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework are only just beginning. What has been agreed in principle is its basic architecture, but no specific proposal has been made yet, beyond the Commission’s initial position on the amounts and how they are allocated to the various categories of the European budget.
One thing is certain, and this was evident from today’s debate: there is a critical mass of countries – I would describe them as “friends of Cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy” – that are essentially unwilling to accept cuts to these two programs, which are the two main pillars on which the entire framework of European funding has been built over the last decades.
However, I believe that these negotiations will be complex and difficult. The Cyprus Presidency, which takes over in 12 days’ time, will, I assume, present its initial proposals for the specific allocation of resources, and we hope and wish that in a year’s time we will be able to agree on the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
Nikos Armenis (AMNA – MEGA): Mr. Prime Minister, our country has traditionally maintained relations with both Israel and the Arab world, and we aspire to act as a “bridge” in the Eastern Mediterranean. Do you see room for countries such as Greece to play a more active role in shaping the European position on the Middle East? Will Greece’s role in Gaza be discussed in the talks you will have on Monday in Ramallah and Jerusalem?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: First of all, I consider it important that on Monday, I will visit Ramallah and, of course, Jerusalem, as part of the trilateral meeting between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
Greece is a country that traditionally maintains a strategic relationship with Israel but also excellent relations with the Palestinian Authority, so we will have the opportunity to discuss how we will move from the first, much-desired ceasefire to the next stages of the plan, as agreed by all parties involved, and to explore the role that Greece can play in this direction.
In any case, I would like to reiterate that the trilateral format of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel brings together countries that are, I would say, factors and pillars of stability in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region, and I believe that the discussions that will take place at this juncture, taking into account what has happened in Gaza in recent years, will be extremely important.
Maria Psara (STAR): Mr. Prime Minister, we had tractors here too, but they are still present in Greece. Farmers say that their demands are not being met, based on what the government has announced about electricity, tax-free fuel, and subsidies for livestock farmers and producers. The question is: could there be an improvement in the proposal you have already presented on these issues? And also, are you concerned about huge queues and roadblocks during the holidays?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: First of all, some farmers do not feel the need to disagree with the proposals made by the government. The government remains open to dialogue. We say “yes” to dialogue, but we say “no” – and we say it in every way and form – to the unnecessary hardship on Greek society and the impact that a possible prolonged blockade will have on the functioning of the economy.
Christmas is coming. I think everyone understands that people want to travel. People want to return to their villages. Winter destinations need to be operational, and I believe this is something that everyone will take very seriously into account.
Beyond that, the government has carefully examined the problems faced by farmers. It believes that it has addressed many of their legitimate demands, but obviously we are not going to give in to any, I would say, maximalism that would take us out of the European framework, which is very well defined, and ultimately lead us to solutions that are unacceptable to both the government and Europe.
What I want to stress and repeat in every way possible, is that the consolidation of OPEKEPE, the integration of OPEKEPE into the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR), on which there will be a roll-call vote tomorrow – or rather today, because it is already 4:00 a.m. Greek time – is a test and a challenge for all parties. If they really mean what they say, that they want to move to an impartial system of subsidies and that those who are truly entitled to them should receive them, they must support this reform and not bury their heads in the sand.
This reform has already led to savings, which, as we have said, will be redistributed to our livestock farmers who are in real need, to grain producers, and to cotton producers. In this way, we are finally proving in practice what we have been saying: that not only are European resources not being wasted, but ultimately the money that will be left over from the consolidation of the system will benefit those who really need it.
