Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived in Brussels on Thursday at noon, in order to participate in the proceedings of the extraordinary European Council meeting on the subject of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2021-2027.
In a statement he made upon his arrival to the Summit, he mentioned:
Question: In a time when constantly growing needs must be met using fewer Community resources, what does Greece expect from today’s Summit?
Prime Minister: Today’s negotiation is crucial to the future of Europe. We are here to discuss the European budget for the next six years.
One thing is certain: We cannot do more with less. We have set ambitious goals and we need the corresponding resources to achieve them.
Having said that, the country is coming to this negotiation with a clear national line: We want to safeguard our farmers’ income as best as possible, as well as aid them in the transition to more environmentally-friendly manner of production.
We seek more development resources, to put it simply, a larger NSRF. And this, in order to be able to further support the strong growth we have already been witnessing in the Greek economy, create more and better paid jobs, especially in the rural areas.
We are claiming resources that will enable us to make a fair transition to a low-carbon economy.
We are also striving for solidarity – solidarity via actions, not just words – when it comes to addressing the refugee-migration crisis and guarding the borders, since Greek borders are European borders as well.
It is going to be a difficult and – I expect – long negotiation, but I am cautiously optimistic that we will be able to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Question: Will more money be allocated to Greece in respect to the refugee-migration crisis, given that our country has disproportionately borne the burden of it? How are we equipped for this debate?
Prime Minister: Look, unfortunately – and this is an issue we must put on the table – the total resources available for the refugee-migration crisis and for guarding the borders are reduced compared to the initial suggestions. This is wrong, we cannot claim we want a Europe that protects its citizens and at the same time not allocate the necessary resources to support the countries which are on the front line with even greater financial strength. And also, support Frontex, which is the European force guarding the borders.
In any case, the resources our country will receive with regard to these issues will be increased, compared to the previous programme period. But, it is my belief that the overall volume of resources available by the European Union can be increased.
Question: What should be the priority of the next EU budget?
Prime Minister: This is going to be a complicated debate. My stance has been clear from the beginning. We cannot be expected to do more with less. We need a larger portfolio if we want to support traditional policies, such as the Cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy, and at the same time be more ambitious regarding policies on climate change and border management.
Therefore, I’m expecting a complicated and difficult debate, but at some point we all need to agree on the level of ambition. If we want to be more ambitious, we need more resources.
Thank you.
