Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed strong objections to last-minute significant amendments proposed by France and Germany to the Strategic Agenda text, which had been thoroughly discussed by the Permanent Representatives.
According to sources, Mitsotakis emphasized the principle and procedural integrity, insisting that the extensively deliberated text should remain unchanged. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni immediately supported Mitsotakis’ stance.
This intervention to keep the text unchanged was backed by a majority of EU partners, including Cyprus, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Luxembourg, Finland, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Belgium.
Franco-German Proposed Amendments:
- Climate Policy: “Continue the implementation and further development of the Green Deal.”
- Defense: “A stronger and more capable European Union in security and defense will contribute positively to global and transatlantic security and complement NATO, which remains the foundation of collective defense for its members.”
- Competition Policy: “Review European competition rules and practices to allow for consortia and consolidation in key areas to strengthen European resilience.”
- Enlargement: “The EU emphasizes the need for internal foundations and reforms to meet its long-term ambitions, address priorities, and policies, and adapt to new geopolitical realities and complex challenges.”
Additionally, the two countries sought to remove a defense-related paragraph: “Flagship projects and defense initiatives of common interest across the EU.”
European leaders managed to reach a consensus on all agenda items, including leadership for the EU and the “Strategic Agenda” for 2024-2029.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ Statements Post-European Council:
Mitsotakis congratulated Ursula von der Leyen, Kaya Kalas, and Antonio Costa, noting the collective challenges ahead. In his remarks, he stated:
“I am satisfied with the European Council’s decisions regarding key EU positions. As one of the two negotiators for the European People’s Party, I can confirm the Council’s proposal to the European Parliament for Ursula von der Leyen to continue as President of the European Commission, Antonio Costa as President of the European Council for the next 2.5 years, and Kaya Kalas as EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Defense.
The Strategic Agenda adopted today by the European Council addresses all critical Greek priorities, especially in defense, immigration, and external border protection, highlighting competitiveness. These issues are vital for our country and are well-represented in the Strategic Agenda for the next five years.
While there is currently no agreement on joint financing of European defense spending, it is a possibility for the future. I will continue to advocate for this. Joint defense cooperation at various levels is increasingly seen as necessary by many in the European Council.
I informed my colleagues about the situation in North Macedonia, where both the president and the acting prime minister are violating the Prespa Agreement by using an alternate name. I made it clear that if Skopje persists, it will hinder any immediate integration with the European Union.”
The planned meeting for European leaders tomorrow has been canceled.
