The prime minister stressed that the meeting is part of the framework of open dialogue that Athens seeks to maintain with Ankara. He reiterated, however, that for Greece the only issue open for discussion remains the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). According to Mitsotakis, any meaningful progress presupposes Turkey’s abandonment of what he described as “non-existent claims”. He added that disagreement does not automatically translate into constant tension, pointing to areas of cooperation such as migration management and visa facilitation.
Referring to recent comments by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on the relationship between modern Greeks and ancient Greeks, Mitsotakis described the remarks as “coarse” and an “inappropriate positioning”. He said Rama appeared to have realised his mistake, adding that Albania’s European path passes through Greece and that the issue should now be considered closed.
The prime minister also highlighted the arrival of the frigate Kimon, calling it “a symbol of self-confidence and strength”. He noted that it is the first of four Belharra-class frigates and the first major delivery to the Navy in three decades. According to Mitsotakis, the Armed Forces are now at a completely different level compared with the period following the ten-year economic crisis.
Farmers: no fiscal margin for new measures
On the ongoing agricultural protests, Mitsotakis said he would meet again with representatives of the sector, while making clear that there is no fiscal room for additional support measures. He argued that the existing support framework has already been announced and that payments via OPEKEPE were carried out in a more transparent and efficient manner, enabling the identification of improperly paid subsidies.
On rising prices, the prime minister said that from January citizens will see a comprehensive income-support framework, focusing on tax relief and market oversight through the National Consumer Authority. He ruled out the reinstatement of a 13th or 14th salary, noting that wage increases have already been implemented and that a productivity bonus has, for the first time, been introduced in the public sector.
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