Developments in Syria, immigration, competitiveness and the next budgetary framework will also be at the center of the focus.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis is in Brussels last night to attend the meeting of the leaders of the European People’s Party and then at the European Council meeting.
Government sources note that as far as the “White Paper” is concerned about the defense presented by the European Commission – at least not expected to be extensive debate on the defense in the European Council – proposals are moving in the right direction. Particularly positive is the reference to defense programs of common European interest, such as a European air defense shield, a proposal that the prime minister has filed together with his Polish counterpart to European Commission President Ursula von der Laienne since last May.
They also note that it is important that the new $ 150 billion funding tool is used as a means of enhancing European strategic autonomy and not as a means of funding from third -country defense industries, a Greek position reflected in the “White Bible”. In any case, they point out that decisions on defense must take into account the concerns about the security and the interests of the security and defense of all EU member states, in accordance with the decisions of the European Council, a reference to the text.
Regarding Turkey, as stated in the “White Paper”, “the EU will continue to participate constructively in the development of a mutually beneficial partnership in all areas of common interest based on Turkey’s equal commitment to proceed with a course of co -operation in all EU matters. Conclusions of April 2024 emphasize the development of a collaborative and mutually beneficial EU-Turkey relationship, “in a gradual, proportionate and reversible manner.”, while stating that “Turkey’s constructive involvement will contribute decisively to the promotion of the various sectors of cooperation”.
In immigration, Greece has reiterated that the priority has the implementation of the new Pact for Migration and Asylum – mainly to increase and accelerate the returns of those who are not entitled to international protection – as well as the external dimension of migration and cooperation with third countries. Government sources say the prime minister will today participate in a meeting of European leaders for immigration, which will take place shortly before the start of the European Council.
For developments in Syria, it is emphasized that Greece has condemned attacks on Christian and other populations in the most categorical way. Will insist on a decision on the need for peaceful and inclusive transition to Syria that will protect the rights of all national and religious communities, without outside interference. Greece argues, as it has done from the beginning of the debate, that the sanctions on the transitional government must be done in a gradual and reversal manner and under conditions.
As far as European competitiveness is concerned, our country supports the need for significant reinforcement. At the same time, it stresses the need for this increase to be combined and supported by productive investment in all EU economies, which will enhance the cohesion and durability of the European economy as a whole.
For the next multiannual fiscal framework, the Greek position is that bold movements and incisions are needed if the EU wants to achieve its enlarged (existing and new) ambitions in areas such as competitiveness, cohesion, agricultural policy and the strengthening of European defense. Greece is not in accordance with European budget resources.