Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a message to Israel while speaking to CNN, emphasizing that Israeli offensive actions in Lebanon are counterproductive.

“Greece signed a joint statement by many European leaders welcoming the ceasefire, and we hope. We have reasons to be cautiously optimistic, but I am concerned about what is happening in Lebanon,” he stressed in an interview with Christiane Amanpour. “Israeli offensive actions are counterproductive, and if we want to talk about a ceasefire in the region, it must extend to all fronts. We must give space to the Lebanese government, and the attacks only serve to give room to Hezbollah,” Mr. Mitsotakis continued, adding: “We have a strategic alliance with Israel, but friends must be honest. If the attacks continue, we will face a humanitarian crisis and a destabilization of the Lebanese government. This is not in Israel’s interest, and we need a ceasefire that covers the entire region.”

The international community will not accept “tolls” from Iran

Regarding developments in the Strait of Hormuz, the Greek Prime Minister stated: “We are among the largest players in terms of fleet. The issue of the Strait of Hormuz is critical—it has always been free for navigation and must remain so in the future. The international community will not accept ‘tolls’ from Iran. A separate international agreement for the Strait of Hormuz may be needed, but such an agreement cannot include transit fees.”

Greece will lead the initiative to redefine NATO together with France

Referring to EU–US relations, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he is “a supporter of transatlantic relations, but we now face significant challenges,” explaining that “as a result of initiatives by the American president, Europe has regrouped in terms of defense preparedness. We spend more than 3% of our GDP on defense and are strengthening our preparedness.”

Mr. Mitsotakis noted that “we must redefine NATO in a way that benefits the Alliance. Greece will lead this initiative, together with other countries.”

He also revealed that “we have begun preliminary discussions with President Macron, as France is the only country within the EU with nuclear deterrence.” He emphasized that “any discussion to strengthen the European pillar of defense should be welcomed. This will not come at the expense of NATO, but NATO is an alliance that depends excessively on the US. We must take on our fair share of the burden, increase spending, and strengthen our defense capabilities,” the Prime Minister clarified.

On banning social media for those under 15: “My vision is for Greek policy to become European policy”

Asked about the initiative he announced today to ban social media for those under 15, Mr. Mitsotakis recalled: “I first raised this 18 months ago at the UN. At the time, no one was talking about youth mental health. It is the top concern for parents, and even children recognize that platform design leads them to spend too much time and captures their attention.”

“We announced a ban starting from 1/1/2027 and I sent a letter to the President of the Commission because we cannot do this alone—we need European support,” he reiterated, adding: “My vision is that Greek policy will become European policy, and I hope Greece will lead on this front and that platforms will assume the responsibility that belongs to them.”