“It has become clear that the CAP and cohesion policy must be protected at least at the funding levels proposed by the European Commission. We cannot make concessions in this area, and 15 other countries share this view,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis said after the summit concluded.
He said: “We have another difficult negotiation ahead. I don’t know whether it will be concluded in December; the first half of 2027 will be difficult in terms of political developments. I hope we will reach an agreement, even if we have to stay in Brussels for as many days as necessary.”
On energy, the prime minister said:
“Because the economy is doing well, the government has been able to support society with measures worth more than €1bn, and remains able to do so. Other countries do not have that capacity. The support we are providing is by no means insignificant and should not be brushed aside so easily. I do not expect rabbits to be pulled out of a hat or magical European solutions that would allow us to cut taxes across the board.
We are asking for greater fiscal flexibility for targeted, temporary measures. The European Commission is receptive to this. The government is doing everything in its power, within the fiscal constraints, to address a global problem; these are not normal conditions. Measures will be rolled out and implemented over the coming months. Our support for society does not end with the measures we have announced. We pass into law and implement what we announce. That is the difference between us and the opposition.”
On the green transition, Mr Mitsotakis said:
“The country’s choice to keep adding more renewable energy is bringing down electricity prices. The government will strengthen this policy, add energy storage to the mix and complement it with natural gas. This direction is clear.
As for industry, we should not impose an additional cost of decarbonisation, especially on sectors that do not have the technical solutions to carry it out. The green transition must go hand in hand with support for a productive Europe and a productive Greece. Other European countries share this view.”
Asked about migration, he said:
“The ‘blue letters’ quite often receive a significant response at the European Council. We expect the legislative proposals very soon; a Greek initiative is becoming European policy. A major success for our country is the decision in the conclusions to protect the country’s external borders. It adds to a series of changes in European migration policy, with an emphasis on border protection. We still have many steps to take, but we are moving in the right direction.”
Mr Mitsotakis stressed that “Greece has fiscal headroom to support businesses” and underlined that “we are keeping reserves to get through the whole winter. Measures are announced every fortnight because we do not know what the situation will be. We did the best we could on heating oil. We have two wars and a huge global energy crisis. Anyone who thinks Greece is some ‘Gaulish village’ that will remain isolated and will not be affected at all by this crisis is deeply mistaken. On the other hand, if some people think we will break the bank and hand out money left, right and centre to make ourselves more popular ahead of elections, I am sorry, that is not my mindset, perhaps it is the mindset of others who brought the country to ruin”.