It is very important that the extraordinary European Council is being held in Cyprus at this juncture.
We had the opportunity, yesterday, to discuss how we can further strengthen the concept of European strategic autonomy, as well as the concept of European defense solidarity.
Greece and many other European countries stood by Cyprus when it came under attack during the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
I would say that this was the first concrete proof that Europe can stand on its own to support European Union member states that are under threat.
For quite some time now, I have been talking about the need for a substantive upgrade and activation of Article 42(7) of the European Treaties, namely the mutual assistance clause, which essentially obliges Member States to come to the aid of any Member State that comes under attack.
I consider it very important that this issue has now firmly taken its place on the European Council’s agenda, and Greece will certainly make the most of its European Presidency in the second half of 2027 to further elevate this discussion.
Today we also have the opportunity to discuss the new Multiannual Financial Framework, but also to assess the economic consequences of the prolonged conflict in the Gulf.
The Greek government has actively supported Greek society, always within the limits of our fiscal capacity. The fact, however, that we are able to generate surpluses, reduce our debt, achieve high growth rates, and at the same time support Greek society to the best of our ability is a sign of the health of the Greek economy.
I am well aware that Greek citizens are being put to the test. They are being tested by the prolonged cost-of-living crisis, compounded now by the great economic uncertainty of this economic turmoil.
We stand by their side to the best of our ability, without promising things we cannot deliver and without, under any circumstances, disrupting the fiscal balance, which is the foundation upon which we build all our other policies.
