In an extremely critical juncture of geopolitical rearrangements, negotiations on the war in Ukraine, but also in view of critical decisions on European defense, Kyriakos Mitsotakis It will be in Brussels today, where he will first participate in the summit of EPP and then to the tactic Summit.
Definite decisions may not be expected for defense, which will not monopolize the debate, but Athens has a look at In the “White Bible” presented by the Commission and which adopts several Greek positions. According to government sources, the reference to defense programs of common European interest, such as a European air defense shield, a proposal that the prime minister has jointly filed with the Poland Prime Minister to the President of the European Commission since last May, is highly positive.
Athens also points out that the new $ 150 billion funding tool must be used as a means of reinforcing it European strategic autonomy and not as a means of financing Third Countries Defense Industries.
Given the involvement of and her Turkey In the debate on new European security architecture, however, Greece points out that any decisions must take into account the concerns about the security and security interests of all its member states. Ee, according to the decisions of the European Council.
Turkey and Imamoglou
Despite discussions in the previous days, however, Turkey will not enter the “umbrella” of the big $ 150 billion financial package, according to FT information that the Greek government confirms. As stated in the “White Bible”‘The EU It will continue to participate constructively in the development of a mutually beneficial partnership {…} in a gradual, proportionate and reversible manner. “, while stating that” Turkey’s constructive participation will make a decisive contribution to the promotion of various areas of cooperation “. Note, Yesterday’s arrest and prosecution of Imamoglou It caused great concern in Athens, but also in Brussels on the state of the rule of law in the neighbor. On the one hand in Brussels they feel that they cannot exclude Turkey from the debate on the new geopolitical environment, on the other hand they realize that Erdogan is moving to perpetuate his political Imperium.
It remains to be seen if Mr. Mitsotakis arriving will want to comment on developments while yesterday From Slovenia George Gerapetritis He pointed out that “concessions from the rule of law and political freedoms cannot be tolerated. There are convincing answers to each of them as invoked. ”
According to the program, a meeting of the Supreme Cooperation Council of Greece-Turkey in Ankara is expected after Easter, although the environment does not seem favorable.
‘No’ to cuts
Given, of course, that the main subject of Conference is European competitiveness, Greece points out in all tones that no resources should be cut by European budget. In other words, Athens does not agree with the logic that if new resources for defense have to be found, others should be cut for example. for social or agricultural policy.
Summit for migration
Finally, as to migratoryGreece has reiterated that the priority has the implementation of the new Immigration and Asylum Pact, and in particular the increase and acceleration of the return of those who are not entitled to international protection, as well as the external dimension of immigration and cooperation with third countries. Mr Mitsotakis will participate on Thursday at a meeting of European leaders for immigration, which will take place shortly before the start of the European Council.