Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, highlighted the need for a substantial upgrade and implementation of Article 42.7 of the European Treaties, in remarks upon his arrival at the informal Μeeting of EU Heads of State and Government, on Friday, in Nicosia.
According to the Greek Prime Minister, it is very important that the extraordinary European Council is taking place in Cyprus at this juncture.
“Yesterday we had the opportunity to discuss how we can further enhance the concept of the European Strategy of Autonomy as well as the concept of European defence solidarity. Greece and many other European countries stood by Cyprus when it came under attack amid the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. I would say that this was the first concrete proof that Europe can stand on its own to support European Union member states that are under threat,” he continued.
“For quite some time now, I have been speaking about the need for a substantial upgrade and activation of Article 42.7 of the European Treaties, namely the mutual assistance clause, which essentially obliges member states to assist any member state that comes under attack. And I consider it very important that this issue has now firmly entered the European Council’s agenda, and Greece will certainly use its European Presidency in the second half of 2027 to further elevate this discussion,” he added.
Mitsotakis also said that the leaders will have the opportunity today to discuss the new Multiannual Financial Framework, as well as to assess the economic impact of the prolonged conflict in the Gulf.
“The Greek government has consistently stood by the Greek society, in the context of our fiscal capacity, but the fact that we can generate surpluses, reduce our debt, maintain high growth rates, and at the same time support Greek society to the best of our ability is a sign of the Greek economy's soundness," noted.
“I am well aware that Greek citizens are being tested by the prolonged austerity crisis, to which significant economic uncertainty has now been added. We stand by them to the extent that our fiscal capabilities allow us to do so, without promising things we cannot deliver and without, under any circumstances, disrupting the fiscal balance, which is the foundation upon which we build all our other policies,” he concluded.
(Source: CNA)
