Alexandra Voudouri (Kathimerini): Good afternoon, Mr. Prime Minister. During the first discussion on the next European budget, divergent positions among member states have already emerged, both regarding its size, the allocation of resources, and the new financial instruments. How are the negotiations progressing now? When do you estimate we will reach an agreement, and what kind of agreement would satisfy Greece?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Look, this is going to be an extremely difficult negotiation. There are very significant differences between those who stress that we need a more ambitious budget – given that we also have ambitious goals – and those who view the budget through the lens of – understandable to a certain extent – the framework of their own significant national contributions.
The goal is to conclude the negotiations by the end of this year. If you ask me whether I think that’s likely, I think it’s difficult at this point; there are very big gaps between the majority of countries that want something more ambitious and a minority that insists on its own hardline position.
For Greece, safeguarding the resources of the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy – which are now part of a new national framework, given the changes to the budget structure – is a non-negotiable priority.
We are pleased that more resources have been allocated to migration, and also that the need to support efforts to address the climate crisis with additional European funds has been recognized.
Maria Psara (STAR): Good afternoon from me as well, Mr. Prime Minister. Europe is seeking to reopen diplomatic channels of communication with the Kremlin. In your opinion, who should take the initiative? European Council President Costa, the “Alliance of the Willing,” or a special envoy?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: First of all, I want to make it clear that only Ukraine can have the final say in any negotiations with Russia. Europe is not seeking a role as a mediator, as it has already taken a stand in support of Ukraine in this conflict.
However, if it becomes necessary – and I consider it essential – to have a channel of communication representing the European Council, given that we have taken decisions concerning this conflict – the “freezing” of Russian assets, 20 rounds of sanctions, these decisions were taken by the “27” – I cannot see any other solution, and I made it clear yesterday at the European Council that in this case, the diplomatic channel must be opened by the President of the European Council, Mr. António Costa, who can speak on behalf of all of us.
Dimitris Gatsios (ERT): Good afternoon, Mr. Prime Minister, from me as well. I would like to ask you whether there has been any discussion within the Council regarding a common European strategy aimed at restoring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and what role our country might play in such a scenario. I would also like to ask whether you are concerned about the possibility of renewed tensions in the region, despite the picture that has emerged over the past 24 hours. Thank you.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is the primary objective and, I would say, the most significant benefit, first and foremost, of this agreement reached between Iran and the United States. I hope that there will be no disruptions that could jeopardize this aspect of the agreement.
We have already seen a significant decline in oil prices as a result of this development, and this is clearly a priority for all members of the European Council.
Beyond that, Greece, as I have said, would be willing to participate in some kind of mission – which, however, would need to have international legitimacy at the level of the United Nations Security Council – if required. This is not something that is currently on the table.
The goal would be to return to the previous status quo. I would like to remind you that before the war began, passage through the Strait was completely unrestricted, and no one was even discussing the imposition of tolls or the need for any other kind of peacekeeping mission.
Greece has proven that it can be present on the ground when needed. We are participating in Operation “Aspides.” We are a country that has made freedom of navigation a central priority of our foreign policy. We are a country that has raised this issue at the United Nations Security Council, and if required, within the framework I have described to you, we will not hesitate to make any additional contribution.
George Papakonstantinou (SKAI): On the issue of migration, Mr. Prime Minister, in the letter you signed along with other leaders, you argue that establishing centers or hubs in third countries is the most effective way to address both irregular migration and increase returns.
I would like you to tell me, with regard to frontline countries such as ours, such as Greece, what the benefit will be from establishing these centers or camps, and whether there is any estimate of the percentage or extent to which arrivals will be reduced.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: I would say that this is yet another weapon we have in our arsenal. It is very important that the regulation on returns has been agreed upon. Greece is already very active in this area.
I would like to remind you that ever since we began carrying out returns to Egypt, the number of Egyptians arriving illegally in Crete has decreased significantly. Egyptians are not, in principle, entitled to asylum, which is why they are being returned.
And of course, the establishment of application processing centers outside the European Union is something that has been discussed for a long time. Now we have the opportunity to consider this option as well. We are still in the early stages of these discussions, but our top priority right now is to minimize the flows coming from eastern Libya. We have already seen a very significant reduction at our land borders and at our eastern borders.
We’ve had what I believe to be some very substantive contacts with the political and military leadership in eastern Libya. As you know, we are providing them with logistical support and training for their Coast Guard personnel, and I believe we have established a good channel of communication, so that, as a first step, we can ensure that the flows from the Tobruk area to Crete will be significantly reduced in the coming months.
Nikos Armenis (AMNA – MEGA): Mr. Prime Minister, the issue of high prices is of particular concern to the public. The government has launched the “PosoKanei” platform, but now, following the U.S.-Iran agreement, the public is expecting this drop in international oil prices to be reflected immediately at the pump, as you yourself mentioned. Do you have any specific indications as to when consumers will see a substantial reduction in fuel prices? Also, has there been any discussion at the European level regarding an intervention mechanism in the event of a new energy crisis?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: As for the second scenario, we hope it does not come to pass. Regarding the first, we have already seen a significant drop in petrol and diesel prices, exceeding 15 cents.
As a rule, there is a time lag of about one week between the time raw material prices fall and the time that decrease is reflected at the pump. I want to assure you that all regulatory mechanisms are in place to ensure that this reduction will indeed eventually reach the pump and benefit the consumer, whether we’re talking about petrol or diesel fuel, which, I’d like to remind you, also has an additional subsidy of 15 cents this month.
Beyond that, of course, I believe that as global inflationary pressure on energy prices eases, we will also see a decline in inflation, the rise in which over the past few months is due exclusively to global developments and the war in Iran.
Maria Aroni (OPEN): Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. Yesterday you met with the President of Ukraine Zelenskyy. If I recall correctly, a cooperation agreement was initiated in November for the co-production of weapons systems with Ukraine, specifically for unmanned underwater vehicles.
I would like to ask whether you discussed this yesterday with the Ukrainian President, whether Ukraine is lifting certain conditions it had set, and whether this agreement will ultimately move forward. And if so, could it be funded by the European SAFE mechanism?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: We are in advanced discussions with Ukraine regarding the possibility of an agreement that would allow our country to draw on the extremely important expertise that the Ukrainians have developed in unmanned vehicles, whether they are airborne, land-based, maritime, or submarine.
I cannot tell you anything more at this time, but I am optimistic that these discussions could mature very quickly.
