Speaking to Bloomberg, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in addressing both defense and banking priorities, placed the creation of a joint European defense financing mechanism at the top of his agenda. “I have long supported the need for common borrowing to fund European defense,” he said.
Mitsotakis argued that momentum is shifting within Europe, noting that some governments traditionally opposed to the idea are changing their stance. “I believe Germany will ultimately agree,” he added.
Economic discipline and growth
On Greece’s economic trajectory, Mitsotakis emphasized that the country remains committed to fiscal discipline. “We have achieved significant primary surpluses, and it is very likely we will post a real surplus again this year,” he said.
He pointed to growth that has yielded tangible results, including 500,000 new jobs since taking office, and stressed that middle-class households will see real wage gains thanks to tax cuts taking effect on January 1.
The Greek Prime Minister on cross-border banking and investment
In addressing the prospect of cross-border banking integration, Mitsotakis expressed support, welcoming UniCredit’s investment in Alpha Bank.
“I see value if a foreign buyer shows interest in a Greek company,” he said, while declining to comment on whether he would support a full takeover of Alpha Bank. He reaffirmed, however, his backing for pan-European deals in principle.
Mitsotakis also underscored Greece’s role in spearheading efforts to return rescued banks to private ownership. Unlike many other governments, Athens has openly welcomed foreign investors taking substantial stakes.
“Putting European interests first”
The Prime Minister stressed that governments must make difficult decisions to restore fiscal order. “Once they do, economies grow, taxes come down, and incomes rise. We’ve reached that point, but only after painful reforms,” he said.
Mitsotakis voiced hope for political stability in France, stressing the importance of strong Franco-German cooperation at the heart of Europe. On tourism, he expressed confidence: “It will do very well.”
He added that Europe must move beyond internal blame games. “The essence is to guarantee collective growth,” he maintained. “As the Draghi report shows, not all areas have seen progress. We must put European interests first.”
