Future threats do not come only from the East but also from the South, and we must ensure that the EU has the capability to protect the European member states located at its external borders, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underlined in his statements following the MED9 summit in Slovenia.

More specifically, speaking about European defense, Mr. Mitsotakis noted:

“We all advocate for a 360-degree approach to European defense. Regarding new projects of common interest that we believe we can promote as the European Union — such as the missile defense shield — we must recognize that future threats come not only from the East but also from the South. I believe we are united because we want to ensure that the entirety of Europe’s borders is fully protected, and that there exists a European capability to safeguard all EU member states, especially those at the external borders.”

As for energy, the Greek Prime Minister stated that:

“There is a general understanding that we need to move faster toward a common European market, and particularly in Southeastern Europe, we are facing higher prices compared to other states.”

“Therefore,” he added, “a greater integration of the energy market through investment and interconnection projects will be a first priority in relation to the common energy strategy.”

Kyriakos Mitsotakis also noted that the leaders of MED9 “had interesting discussions regarding decarbonization, which will be discussed at the European Council that will take place in a few days.” He added, “I sense that there is a general understanding among the nine that we need to strike a balance between the decarbonization goals we have already set and an equal emphasis on social cohesion and competitiveness. And I believe that this requires greater flexibility in achieving the ambitious goals we have set as a European Union.”

The meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan

On the sidelines of the MED9 Summit in Slovenia, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with King Abdullah of Jordan.

During the meeting, the latest developments in the Middle East were discussed. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Jordan’s role in maintaining stability in the wider region. He also stressed the importance of upholding the ceasefire and making progress on the points of President Trump’s peace plan.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that both European countries bilaterally and the EU as a whole should contribute to the implementation of the plan, particularly in delivering humanitarian aid effectively.

The Prime Minister reiterated Greece’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance and to participate in the reconstruction of Gaza.