After the European Council summit in Brussels, Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered a clear warning to Turkey, asserting that Ankara does not meet the criteria to participate in the SAFE defense program and must first abandon its casus belli policy against Greece.
“As long as Turkey maintains a standing threat of war and disputes the sovereignty of Greek islands, cooperation on defense initiatives is out of the question,” Mitsotakis said. The Greek PM added that he hopes Turkey will eventually reconsider its position with an eye to participation in the SAFE initiative, though he does not expect any shift “in the near future.”
Advancing a common European defense with the SAFE program, Greek PM warns Turkey
Turning to EU defense cooperation, Mitsotakis emphasized that Europe has made notable progress toward a shared defense framework, including the development of the SAFE program, which supports joint procurement and strategic defense projects.
He highlighted growing European recognition of national initiatives, such as the Greek-Polish proposal for a European missile defense shield, aimed at protecting all EU borders. “Any comprehensive defense plan must cover every frontier, not just the eastern one,” he stressed.
While the idea of a European defense fund remains in discussion, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to pushing the concept forward, underscoring the need for greater coordination in financing joint projects.
Addressing the housing challenge
The Greek Prime Minister also placed strong emphasis on housing policy, calling it a central pillar of his government’s domestic agenda. He announced that a new rent rebate program will launch in late November, forming part of a broader set of measures to ease pressure on low- and middle-income households.
Mitsotakis proposed that the European Commission establish a shared housing policy database to exchange best practices and urged flexibility in the use of EU funds for home repairs and social housing. He said additional national housing initiatives will be unveiled soon, positioning Greece to play a leading role in shaping future EU housing priorities.
Balancing energy ambition with economic realism
On energy and climate policy, Mitsotakis advocated for a balanced approach to Europe’s green transition. “We want to be ambitious, but we must also stay realistic,” he said, warning against measures that could harm industry or burden households.
He stressed that renewable energy continues to reduce costs in Greece but acknowledged that sectors like shipping and aviation face tougher paths to decarbonization. Mitsotakis called for pragmatic strategies that achieve climate neutrality without sacrificing economic growth or social cohesion, describing the summit’s energy outcomes as “constructive and forward-looking.”
