Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a clear message to Ankara, stressing that Greece is prepared to defend areas of its sovereignty whenever necessary while maintaining its commitment to good neighborly relations.
Speaking at the opening of a cabinet meeting on Monday, Mitsotakis outlined the government’s priorities ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair and addressed a range of issues, including Greece’s relations with Turkey, the economy, inflation and public debt.
Against the backdrop of continued tensions with Ankara, the prime minister said reactions from Turkey would not change Greece’s plans.
“The reactions from the east that follow our own actions do not affect our planning,” Mitsotakis said.
He emphasized that Greece’s sovereign rights are grounded in international law and that the country is prepared to defend them.
“The areas of Greek sovereignty arise from International Law and we are ready to defend them at any time,” he said.
At the same time, Mitsotakis reiterated that Greece wants to maintain good relations with Turkey. He stressed, however, that Athens’ discussions with Ankara are limited to the legal delimitation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
“We want good neighborly relations with Turkey. However, we are not discussing anything beyond the delimitation of the continental shelf and EEZ in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said.
Government priorities ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair
Mitsotakis also outlined the government’s agenda ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair, where he said the government will present its economic policy priorities for 2027 and its roadmap toward 2030.
He highlighted the completion of Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, noting progress in investments, reforms and the digital transformation of the public sector.
The prime minister also referred to infrastructure, the completion of the land registry, renewable energy projects, transport and healthcare.
He praised the efforts of firefighters during this summer’s wildfires and noted that Greece is expected to receive the first of its new Canadair firefighting aircraft in 2028.
Mitsotakis highlights debt reduction
Public debt was another major issue raised during the cabinet meeting.
Mitsotakis said reducing the country’s debt burden remains an important objective for the government and future generations.
“For the first time, a government is consistently reducing debt at such a speed that Greece will soon no longer be the most indebted country in Europe,” he said.
He also criticized what he described as attempts to turn Greece’s improved borrowing conditions and debt reduction into a subject of political confrontation.
Inflation remains a major concern
The prime minister identified inflation as one of the biggest issues affecting Greek households.
He pointed to recent developments in food prices, including lower prices for oil, fruit and vegetables compared with the previous month.
From September 1, the government is also expected to introduce measures under the National Price Reduction Agreement, including initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of school supplies.
Cabinet agenda
The cabinet meeting also included discussions on the completion of the Greece 2.0 Recovery and Resilience Plan, preparations for the new school year and measures to reduce prices.
Other topics included regional development and island policy, the new spatial planning framework for tourism, renewable energy planning and legislation concerning development programs.
The meeting comes as Greece prepares for the Thessaloniki International Fair, where the government is expected to present its broader economic roadmap and priorities for the years ahead.
