Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to call for lower energy prices and the adoption of targeted, temporary support measures for households and businesses, with particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises, at the October meeting of the European Council. The prime minister had already signaled in Larissa the issues he intends to put on the table.

According to government sources, the prime minister will stress that Europe is facing a new energy crisis as a result of international uncertainty and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, making it necessary to seek solutions to address rising energy costs.

The Greek side is expected to emphasize that, with a difficult winter approaching, measures are needed to limit the impact of high prices on households and businesses, without jeopardizing fiscal stability and sustainability, as financial markets continue to show signs of nervousness.

The European Council’s agenda also includes the competitiveness of the European economy, negotiations on the new EU budget, EU enlargement and the latest developments in Ukraine.

Energy Crisis and Competitiveness at the Center of Discussions

According to government sources, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to reiterate the importance of completing the European Energy Market and strengthening energy interconnections, while also pointing out that the current circumstances call for medium-term measures.

The prime minister will stress that, although the green transition remains a long-term goal, Europe must reassess its approach to energy security and adapt its policies to the new conditions.

According to the same sources, European climate policy was designed during a period of relatively low energy costs, but circumstances have since changed.

In this context, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to raise the question of whether Europe can, in an environment of high inflation, simultaneously address the increased energy costs facing industry, meet the demands of the green transition and maintain fiscal stability.

At the same time, the Greek side believes that the new energy crisis further highlights the European economy’s competitiveness gap, as well as the need to reduce the European Union’s critical dependencies.

The prime minister is expected to press for the implementation of the proposals contained in the Letta and Draghi reports, while pointing out that progress on initiatives to simplify European legislation has been unsatisfactory.

Among the issues he will highlight is the so-called “28th regime,” on which, according to government sources, the necessary progress has not been made.

Greece’s Positions on the European Budget, Enlargement and Migration

Athens also attaches particular importance to discussions on the European Union’s new Multiannual Financial Framework, which are continuing on the basis of the revised negotiating framework prepared by the Irish Presidency.

According to government sources, Greece’s position is clear: the European Union’s growing ambitions cannot be met with fewer resources.

Greece supports an ambitious European budget capable of addressing the Union’s new priorities, including defense, security, research and innovation.

However, Athens makes clear that these new priorities cannot be funded at the expense of Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

As the same sources point out, Greece will not accept further cuts in these areas, although it remains open to discussions on a new EU package of own resources.

The Greek side has already submitted relevant proposals, with the key condition that the allocation of costs must not place a disproportionate burden on less developed economies.

Regarding EU enlargement, government sources note that Greece continues to regard it as a strategic investment in Europe’s security and stability.

At the same time, Athens insists that each candidate country’s progress must depend on its own performance.

Greece does not support changing the EU’s decision-making procedures. It also considers internal reforms and enlargement to be two distinct processes that should not be treated as a single package.

According to the government briefing, the European Commission’s relevant proposal requires careful examination rather than hasty decisions.

Finally, on migration, the Greek side is expected to reiterate the importance of protecting the European Union’s external borders.

As government sources point out, Greece was among the first member states to highlight this priority and has welcomed the European Commission’s support for the Greek proposal to establish a European mechanism for managing emergencies involving mass arrivals or the weaponization of migratory pressure.

The events at Evros in 2020 are cited as a characteristic example of such a situation, with Athens arguing that a European mechanism is needed to respond to similar incidents.