Mitsotakis outlines Greece's dual EU-US loyalty and energy hub ambitions at Economist event
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis positioned Greece as a stabilising bridge between Europe and the East, stressing the need to implement the Draghi report while deepening energy ties with the United States.
A bridge at the crossroads
Speaking at the "Shaping the Future" event co-organised by the Economist and iefimerida.gr, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Greece as a country at the crossroads of three continents. He argued that in an era of geopolitical disruptions, strength matters, and that Greece has restored its credibility after no longer being the "problem child" of the eurozone.
In an era of geopolitical disruptions, strength counts. Greece is a country, a member of the EU, of NATO, but at the same time at the crossroads of three continents. We must be strong within Europe.
Mitsotakis emphasised Greece's role as a bridge between Europe, the West, and dynamic parts of the world, citing developed ties with Gulf countries and a strategic alliance with India. He noted that as power shifts towards the East, Greece can be more active in its diplomatic action.
The Draghi report and institutional defence
The prime minister made a pointed reference to the Draghi report, arguing that Europe must move in its direction to achieve results. He linked this to the need to defend institutions under attack, specifically naming democracy and the rule of law.
If something must happen in the coming years, I think it is to move in this direction because otherwise we will not have good results.
On the domestic front, Mitsotakis stressed that Greece must ensure the foundations built in recent years remain solid to achieve macroeconomic stability. He described this as non-negotiable for implementing policies, reducing taxes, and supporting vulnerable groups' incomes.
Dual loyalty to the EU and the United States
Mitsotakis was explicit about Greece's foreign policy identity, stating clearly that the country is a devoted member of the EU while also honouring its long-standing alliance with the United States. He noted that the relationship is recognised, with Greece viewed as a pole of stability in the region.
As Greece, we must be clear that we are a devoted member of the EU. We have an alliance with the USA that we intend to honour, as we have been doing for many years.
He highlighted emerging opportunities for Greece given changes in foreign policy, and pointed to the clear US dominance in energy. The prime minister expressed hope that natural gas would be found in Greek waters, noting cooperation with American companies.
Energy hub and shipping power
Mitsotakis outlined a vision of Greece as a critical energy node, explaining that due to its geographic position, the US can export LNG through Greece to Europe and supply all northern neighbours thanks to existing infrastructure. He also stressed the geopolitical importance of Greek shipping, noting the country controls a high volume of global maritime transport.
The US can export LNG through Greece to Europe and we can supply all our northern neighbours because of our infrastructure.
He connected energy strategy to the broader US-Greece relationship, mentioning the 3+1 alliance as a way to align with Washington, alongside increased defence spending to ensure Europe can defend itself as an active NATO member.
