Meeting of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Athens
By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, held meetings in Athens with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis.
In her joint statements with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Ms Metsola expressed her pleasure at being in Athens and stressed that the meeting was taking place at a critical moment for Europe. She underlined the importance of integration, noting that “it is essential that we stand united and strong as a European Union.”
She agreed with the Prime Minister that Greece has proven to be the most reliable partner within the EU, pointing out that the country has set the tone in recent years. Ms Metsola highlighted Greece’s economic progress, noting that unemployment has fallen from 27 per cent to below 10 per cent—the lowest level in more than a decade—while jobs have returned, investments are substantial, and growth has been accelerating since 2021. As she observed, Greece’s economy is now growing faster than that of many other EU member states.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Ms Metsola expressed optimism and determination to help the European Union bring the conflict to an end. “We are discussing a plan of possible steps forward, and we have already made significant progress,” she said. She also reiterated that the European Parliament has been clear that any agreement must be lasting and fair, with Ukraine at the negotiating table, and fully based on the principle that “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Roberta Metsola: “Greece Has Proven to Be the Most Reliable Partner”
Ms Metsola thanked Prime Minister Mitsotakis for Greece’s continued support for Ukraine, particularly through the provision of liquefied natural gas. As she noted, this support not only offers a vital lifeline to Ukrainians facing winter conditions, but also strengthens transatlantic cooperation.
Referring to migration, she stressed that Greece has been at the forefront of efforts to address the issue and has shouldered a significant part of the burden on behalf of Europe. She spoke of the need for concrete relief for countries under migration pressure, including through the new solidarity fund currently under development. Migration, she added, remains a top priority for the European Parliament, which is working to conclude pending reforms swiftly, accelerate asylum procedures, increase returns, and draw on Greece’s experience and expertise to guide its future approach.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Europe must come of age geopolitically
Following the meeting at the Maximos Mansion, Prime Minister Mitsotakis stressed that “complex challenges require dynamic responses,” adding that the fluid international environment demands that Europe “come of age and mature geopolitically.” “Europe must send a clear message that it takes its security seriously,” the Prime Minister said.
He underlined the importance of such initiatives at a time when populist voices from both the right and the left are becoming increasingly loud, emphasising the need to educate younger generations. As he noted, the European Union contributes to peace, and to the prosperity of the continent.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis explained that discussions with Ms Metsola also focused on Greece’s upcoming assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027. He stressed that Europe must make strategic choices that will be crucial not only for the well-being of its citizens, but also for their security, particularly in an increasingly volatile international environment.
Developments in Ukraine were also discussed, with both sides reiterating the need for substantial support for Ukrainians defending their country. In this context, the Prime Minister referred to important energy agreements recently signed with President Volodymyr Zelensky. “The goal can be nothing other than a just and sustainable peace,” Mr Mitsotakis said, noting that such a peace must also be compatible with the security interests of European states. “Europe must be present not with words, but with actions,” he added.
Finally, he highlighted the discussion on European competitiveness, stressing the shared view on the need to implement the proposals outlined in the Draghi and Letta reports. He emphasised the importance of completing a truly integrated single market capable of offering meaningful growth opportunities to businesses across all member states, and made particular reference to the need for an energy union to achieve convergent and affordable energy prices throughout Europe.
The public statements were preceded by a private meeting between the Prime Minister and the President of the European Parliament.
