Some solutions are European, but difficult reforms are the national responsibility of each state,’ he said, adding that his government enjoys a parliamentary majority and that the next national election is due in 2027. ‘I am optimistic about the performance of the Greek economy,’ he told the forum.
Mr Mitsotakis said Greece had achieved primary surpluses, that debt metrics were improving and that growth was outpacing the European average. He argued these results had enabled the government to combine support measures for households with the implementation of previously agreed structural reforms, including changes to the pension system.
On migration and security, the prime minister reiterated the need to learn lessons from the war in Ukraine and to coordinate European responses. He said proposals to end the conflict put forward by external actors had not been officially conveyed to European leaders and stressed that ‘no agreement can exist without Ukraine’.
Asked about the United States’ evolving foreign policy, including comments attributed to former president Donald Trump, Mr Mitsotakis said Greece’s relationship with the US remained ‘strong and based on strategic cooperation’. He added that Athens sought a constructive, deterrent posture towards neighbouring Turkey and would continue to strengthen national defence capabilities.
Mr Mitsotakis also described opportunities for deeper economic ties with Asia. Recalling a recent meeting with the Singapore prime minister, he spoke of shared principles such as a free economy and the rule of law and suggested Greece could act as a bridge between Europe and the ASEAN states.
On trade and investment, the prime minister said his government would not revisit existing concessions, including the port of Piraeus, and that agreements concluded by previous administrations should be respected. ‘We made that absolutely clear,’ he said in response to suggestions in the US that the Cosco concession could be problematic.
Energy was a focal point of his remarks. Mr Mitsotakis said Greece was emerging as an energy hub for the Balkans, central Europe and Ukraine, a transformation, he argued, that had put the country on the European energy map and created new routes for liquefied natural gas into Europe.
‘A few years ago we were not even on the energy map of Europe,’ he said. ‘Now we are becoming a gateway for American LNG to the European market. We are leveraging our geographical position to strengthen our geopolitical standing.’
He concluded by underlining a willingness to co-operate with international partners while insisting that past investments and agreements must be respected as Athens pursues closer ties with both the US and Asian economies.
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