Message to Allies on Defense Spending
Kyriakos Mitsotakis conveyed the message that all alliance countries must do more for common defense, even if it means additional defense spending. He made these remarks while speaking on CNN to journalist Julia Chatterley at 1:30 AM on Saturday (Greek time).
The Prime Minister stressed that European countries cannot solely rely on the Americans for their defense and must take initiatives for the strategic autonomy of the Union. He responded to questions about his views on President Biden following his repeated gaffes at the NATO summit and referred to the rise of populist parties in Europe. “Our responsibility is to provide real answers to real problems,” said the Prime Minister, aiming to downplay concerns about the rise of the far-right.
On Biden’s Condition
“I understand the interest in the topic, but I will not comment for obvious reasons. Biden was always present at NATO and spoke fluently on complex issues. I spoke to him, but in such a context, you don’t always have time to talk much with the host, but he was pleasant.
“I understand the embarrassment; sometimes it happens.” (Referring to the gaffe about Zelensky)
Ukraine/Defense Spending
What was clear is that Ukraine’s candidacy is irreversible. In the end, the NATO alliance is stronger than ever.
There is a clear commitment from Alliance members to spend 2% of GDP on defense expenditures. Greece spends close to 3% of GDP. And already some countries that did not do so in the past are now doing it.
We cannot rely solely on the Americans for our defense; it is a matter of strategic autonomy. This complements NATO, making it stronger.
We need to spend 2% of GDP, and perhaps this is not enough in these geopolitically complex times. Many countries realize this.
We need to consider a common European defense structure to complement our arsenal with more European resources. I have raised this in the European Council with Donald Tusk, proposing European air defense. This discussion will link our arsenal to our ambitions.
Rise of Populists/European Elections
In our country, the Center holds strong; I lead a center-right government. We have many other such governments in Europe. The fear of the rise of the far-right was somewhat exaggerated; the rise was not as expected.
But the problems are real: inflation and immigration. However, populist answers are simplistic and impractical. We must provide real solutions to real problems.
Tourism
Greece does not have a problem with over-tourism, maybe only in July and August on some islands, so we need to address infrastructure issues. But tourists who come, come again. It will be a record year, which is why we have more investments in tourism.
Six-Day Work Week
Greece has a five-day work week; we also offer a four-day work week. But under exceptional circumstances and in continuous operation businesses, with the agreement of both employee and employer and increased pay, there can be a sixth day.
But we have a five-day work week, and we take labor law compliance very seriously.
Utilize Every Opportunity for a Cyprus Solution Based on Security Council Resolutions
Earlier on Friday, the Prime Minister met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York.
Government sources say that during the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Secretary-General and his personal envoy Maria Angela Holguín to restart talks on the Cyprus issue.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that the fact that Cyprus remains divided 50 years after the 1974 tragedy is unacceptable and stressed that every opportunity must be used for a Cyprus solution based on UN Security Council resolutions.
It was also discussed that Greece is seeking a non-permanent seat on the Security Council (2025-26).
The Prime Minister informed Mr. Guterres of Greece’s priorities, highlighting that Greece wants to be a bridge between the South and the North, the West and the East, as it is a member state of the EU, NATO, and simultaneously engages with countries of the Global South.
Diplomatic Sources: No Proposal for Four or Five-Party Meeting
According to diplomatic sources at the UN, the Secretary-General, during his meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, mentioned that he is willing to exhaust all possibilities to get the two communities to restart dialogue.
In the meeting between the two men, no information was provided about the content of Ms. Holguín’s report, but it was mentioned that the report presents the current situation on the island.
However, the same diplomatic sources clarify that there is no proposal from the Secretary-General for a four or five-party meeting, which Athens does not accept.
The Secretary-General’s proposals are expected to be announced soon. Since Wednesday, July 10, he has been studying the report submitted by his personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguín.
The Secretary-General is expected to encourage both sides to continue efforts to sit at the dialogue table, with the intention of discussing Ms. Holguín’s mandate during the UN General Assembly in September.
It is noted that on the morning of Thursday (July 11), Ms. Holguín met with the Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers in Washington, and today she requested a meeting with the US Secretary of State. According to information, she is expected to be received by the US Deputy Secretary of State for European Affairs James O’Brien at the State Department.
