Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday called on the European Union to adopt a more strategic approach toward third countries that do not align with the bloc’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), warning against treating defense partnerships as routine transactions.
Speaking at an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Mitsotakis emphasized that Europe must defend its strategic interests more assertively. “We should not approach defense cooperation as business as usual or merely as business deals,” he told reporters.
On defense spending, Mitsotakis welcomed the activation of the EU’s national escape clause – which allows member states to temporarily diverge from medium-term fiscal targets to fund military investments – but said further measures were needed.
“This is a positive step, but it is not sufficient,” he said. Mitsotakis proposed the creation of a dedicated EU-level financial instrument to support joint defense initiatives and enhance the bloc’s collective security capabilities.
He also underscored Greece’s commitment to defense modernization, citing the country’s 12-year armament plan. Mitsotakis called for greater EU support for defense-focused startups, arguing that innovation and technological advancement would be critical to future security.
Ahead of the summit, the Greek prime minister also addressed migration, urging Libyan authorities to work more closely with Athens and Brussels to stem the flow of migrants departing from North Africa.