2024-04-18 07:33:42
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be in Brussels today and tomorrow for the extraordinary European Council meeting. The discussions of the EU leaders during the Summit this two days will focus on Economy and Competitiveness issues, the developments in Ukraine and the Middle East (the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be discussed as well as Iran’s attack on Israel) but and in EU-Turkey relations
Foreign relations with developments in the Middle East after Iran’s attacks against Israel, Ukraine and EU-Turkey relations are expected to dominate the first day of the special session of the European Council.
The Prime Minister is expected to reiterate the Greek position of unequivocal condemnation of Iran’s attacks against Israel and to emphasize that any escalation at this time would be a threat to regional stability and security. Greece stands by Israel, but at the same time urges all sides to show the necessary restraint in order to avoid a dangerous further escalation.
In the debate on Turkey, based on the Borel and European Commission Joint Communiqué on the state of Euro-Turkish relations, the Greek position is firm and in favor of a mutually beneficial relationship. Greece is in favor of positive steps in Euro-Turkish relations, as long as the Turkish side also shows a willingness to cooperate. After all, the basis of discussion is the relevant decisions of the European Council which emphasize that any steps will be gradual, proportional and reversible.
In coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, Greece supports the importance of resuming talks and progress in the Cyprus issue for the improvement of Euro-Turkish cooperation. And the position of the Greek side remains that the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations can also contribute to the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.
As far as the competitiveness of the EU is concerned, the Prime Minister is expected to emphasize that this means an improvement in the quality of life of citizens, i.e. a higher disposable income for all.
Source ERT
Reporting: Georgia Skitzi