Good afternoon. The last meeting of the European Summit for 2020 ended a short time ago. It was another all-nighter. It seems that this will become the rule, to spend the night in the Council’s chamber.
Let me point out the three most important topics that were discussed and for which decisions were taken. The first one concerns the budget and the Recovery and Resilience Fund. Finally, after six months -since June 2020 when the decision was made in principle on the budget for the next seven years and the RRF- we managed to settle the last pending issue. Thus, 72 billion euros are definitively unlocked for our country.
Allow me remind you that there was a problem for some months now, stemming from the fact that Poland and Hungary have raised substantial issues on the interpretation of the rule of law provision. This issue has been settled thanks to laborious negotiations, which were handled by the German Presidency. So, we enter 2021 with a finalized EU budget for next seven years and all of us at the starting line, so that we can initiate as soon as possible all processes related to the Recovery and Resilience Fund.
Let me remind you that Greece is one of the first countries to have submitted its draft to the European Commission, on the RRF. The draft has been accepted with very flattering comments. And I think that we all realize the urgency of the situation caused by Covid. Procedures will be initiated soon so that the first funds from the RRF are disbursed as soon as possible, in 2021. The European economy really needs these funds, as we estimate that 2021 will be the year when we will leave behind us this traumatic recession of 2020 and we will resume our recovery path.
Climate change was the second major issue that we discussed. After ten hours of negotiations, which lasted until this morning, the last objections of some member states were overcome and we agreed to cut down CO2 emissions by 55% until 2030. Let me stress that we, Europe as a whole, have undertaken the commitment to move to a zero-emissions economy by 2050. Therefore, this interim stage was indispensable, so that this radical transformation of the European economy can be quickly initiated. So that we can tackle the biggest challenge that humanity faces, certainly the biggest challenge of our generation, which is none other than climate change.
Europe once again joins this global effort, taking a leading role. This decision is taken two days before the 5-year anniversary of the emblematic Paris Agreement, which essentially set the international framework of cooperation in tackling Climate Change. Of course it is really encouraging that US President-elect Joe Biden stated that one of his first moves will be the return of the United States to the Paris Agreement. This is absolutely necessary, as no matter how hard Europe tries, on its own it cannot deal with this huge, this global, this international issue. We need the cooperation of the United States and China.
Let me give an example of how these important decisions taken at the European level intersect and also touch upon the lives of Greek citizens. Let’s take the program “Exoikonomo-Aftonomo”, which I announced two days ago and starts today. This is a really ambitious program of 3 billion euros, which will enable over 150,000 households to upgrade their homes in terms of energy consumption. It will allow them to get lower electricity bills, enjoy a better quality of life, while at the same time it will create many new job positions and support the domestic industry of building materials.
So you can see how the RFF funds link up with the national targets we have set in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and why this is not a hypothetical, theoretical discussion, but a discussion that concerns each and every one of us. A discussion that has an economic impact and an initiative which in fact not only has no cost, but also benefits us all.
Let me now move to the issues that concern Turkey. As you have already seen in the conclusions, the European Council has decided to impose sanctions against Turkey, extending the list of persons and entities involved in illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. But it didn’t stop there. It invited the High Representative, Mr Borrell, as well as the European Commission, to submit a report until March 2021 at the latest, so at the next Council that will also coincide with the 200-year anniversary since the outbreak of the Hellenic Revolution. Mr Borrell and the European Commission will have to submit a written report by then, which will cover the entire spectrum of EU – Turkey relations; their political, economic and commercial aspects. Of course by “commercial” aspects, we mean the Customs Union. This report will include -I am translating the English text- all the tools and options of the European Union, as they were determined in October. This also explicitly includes the expansion of the frame of sanctions against Turkey.
I would also like to stress that Turkey’s provocative stance in Eastern Mediterranean towards member states, towards Greece, towards Cyprus, towards the Union itself, has been clearly denounced. In the first paragraph of the relevant chapter, Turkey is asked to demonstrate consistency and continuity in the direction of de-escalation, following the withdrawal of the “Oruc Reis” from the Greek continental shelf, so that it is possible to resume exploratory talks. At the same time, the summit conclusions stipulate that, as a prerequisite for the potential resumption of exploratory talks, Turkey must abstain from any illegal activities. This is obviously a provision that Greece has set, so that it can initiate but also resume any discussion.
There is also an explicit reference, in the conclusions, to the issue of refugees. On one hand, the text points out Europe’s will to support Turkey, especially in hosting the millions of Syrian refugees that have found shelter in the neighboring country. On the other hand, it is clearly stressed that Turkey needs to cooperate in order to dismantle smuggling networks, so that the flows in the Aegean can be limited and so that human life is not instrumentalized in this unacceptable way. So that these persecuted people are not used as, essentially, tools, for the projection of our neighbor’s geopolitical pursuits.
If I had to sum up in a sentence what happened at the European Summit, I would say that Europe has taken a step forward. Europe usually takes one step at a time. But this step is the strongest warning to Turkey so far, urging the country to change its behavior.
Let me conclude my introductory statement saying that for Greece these sanctions are not the end in themselves. The threat of sanctions though, in the event that Turkey continues its provocative behavior, is the best tool in our disposal to put pressure on Turkey, so that it recalibrates its stance. We do not want Turkey to be a provocative, aggressive neighbor. And I don’t think that this is to the benefit of either Turkey or Greece or the European Union. However, if Turkey insists on maintaining this behavior, there will be sanctions. The first ones have been agreed and there will be a more substantial framework for sanctions on the horizon, with a much bigger economic impact.
So, in fact, the philosophy regarding the relation between the European Union and Turkey, as it was formed in October’s European Council, is still valid at its core. Turkey is the one asked to change its behavior, to realize that this policy leads to a dead-end. Turkey must realize that this policy has a cost for the country itself and especially for its people, which at the end of the day bears no responsibility. And I believe that it is now fully understood that Europe is moving -albeit at its own pace and with the effort always required at the European Summit to reach unanimity. It is united, it supports Greece and Cyprus and sends out a clear message that it is present in the geopolitical developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. Besides, these developments concern firstly and above all the European Union itself.
Let me stop here, Ms Peloni. I am ready to answer your colleagues’ questions.
Aimilios Perdikaris (ANA-MPA): Mr Prime Minister, how would you evaluate the text of the conclusions of the Summit, especially in the light of the negotiations that took place. I want to ask you what we are waiting for from now on. Do you think that Turkey will come back to the negotiating table? Could it proceed with such an option or will it continue its provocations? And how would Athens respond to Turkey’s moves in either direction?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: As you know, Mr Perdikaris, it takes unanimity to reach any decision at the European Council. One sole country is enough to block any decision. And let me tell you that the unanimity to widen the listing of persons and entities was not there two months ago. We were not ready to take this decision two months ago. We are ready to take it now though. And have no doubt that if Turkey continues its provocative behavior there will be further decisions, in March.
Is this what I expect? Is this what I want? Is this what I wish for? Obviously not. My wish has always been that this gradual, increasing pressure on Turkey will work in such a way as to convince our neighbor that it is to benefit to shift away from this provocative behavior. To stop its provocative actions within, as Greece sees it, our country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. To sit at the negotiating table, so that we can resume exploratory talks, which will tackle our fundamental, main and only difference which has substantial legal grounds, which is the delimitation of our continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zones in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.
I am not one to make definitive predictions about Turkey’s reactions. I want to remind you that following the last Summit, we heard Turkey reaffirming that it was ready to resume exploratory talks. And instead of that, we witnessed the constant activity of Oruc Reis within the Greek EEZ.
Therefore, we shall see, we will evaluate, we will judge. What I consider, once again, to be of vital importance is that there should be consistency and continuity in Turkey’s behavior. I really hope that this message will not be misinterpreted by the neighboring country. Because this message is very clear on what has been decided today and what might need to be decided in March.
Giannis Palaiologos (Kathimerini): Good afternoon Mr Prime Minister. I would like to ask a question on the Biden factor. We saw that the conclusions mention the European Union’s wish to coordinate with the United States on Turkey. How important a factor was this in the arguments of those calling for a milder stance towards Turkey? Do you perceive this argument as a pretext for the ones who want to postpone tough decisions? And if this is the case, what does this say about Europe and its ambition for strategic autonomy? That it needs to discuss everything with Washington before it makes any decision?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: I think that the conclusions as a whole reflect Europe’s desire -as it was expressed at the level of the Council- for a larger, more substantial coordination with the United States on a series of matters. In this respect, some of the first statements of the US President-elect, for example that the US will be rejoining the Paris Agreement, were met with relief and satisfaction by the European Union.
I think there is room to further reinforce this pillar of the transatlantic alliance which is absolutely critical for global security, and has been tested to a certain extent these last years. Then, there is what will happen from January 20, when the newly elected US President will assume his duties along with this staff. And there is also what will happen between now and January 20th.
I don’t know whether the United States will soon proceed to imposing sanctions on Turkey -as it was written in the press yesterday- on the issue of the S-400. I will be able to comment on it when it happens, if it does so. In any case, it is clear now that in Europe and the United States a view is being formed that Turkey generates more problems than it resolves. Consequently, it needs to be dealt with through a different perspective.
As far as the Greek government is concerned, we aspire to a closer cooperation with the new US administration. But I would like to point out, Mr Palaiologos, that we had an exceptional collaboration with the outgoing President and with Secretary of State Pompeo. Let me remind you that he paid a long visit to our country two months ago. I think that on issues related to the American policy towards Turkey -as you know- there is a high level of bipartisan consensus. There won’t be many changes from one party to the other.
Alexia Tasouli (OPEN): Prime Minister, the text of the conclusions has already led to a reaction by Ankara, which has expressed its annoyance. A short time ago Ankara complained about maximalist demands and an unfair attitude. Given that we now have an updated position by the European Union and given the withdrawal of the “Oruc Reis”, would Greece respond if Ankara invites Athens to resume exploratory talks on a specific date, or do you anticipate that Turkey may return to provocations in Eastern Mediterranean?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: As I told you, I hope, I wish, I look forward to averting the second scenario. That there will be no further provocations, so that a framework, an environment will be formed, that will enable us to finally resume exploratory talks. Besides, this has been our desire for some months now. But, as I told you, this does not depend on Greece. It primarily depends on Turkey. Its attitude will be assessed and evaluated. As I have said many times before, once the tones are lowered, once the tension is reduced and activities in the field diminish, Greece is always ready to sit down and discuss.
Giannis Kantelis (SKAI): Upon your arrival at the European Council yesterday, you used the phrase “pacta sunt servanda”, meaning that we must comply with what has been written, referring obviously to October’s conclusions on the relations between Europe and Turkey and the possibility of imposing sanctions now.
Do you believe that yesterday’s text on the relations between Europe and Turkey corresponds to this statement? Because there was a view that Europe passed below the bar it had set on this. That maybe the Council was not successful in terms of the message that Ankara had to get from the European Union, especially as far as Greek and Cypriot aspirations are concerned.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Whether Ankara has received the message or not will be proven in due course. “Pacta sunt servanda”, agreements must be kept, that is what I said yesterday. And yes, Mr Kantelis, the agreements were indeed kept. What we decided in early October is that in the event of further escalation, the European Union will make decisions. And decisions were taken. And we found, unanimously, that indeed things did not go in the direction we had hoped. And that there was a deterioration in the relations between Europe and Turkey, in terms of the relations between Greece and Turkey and even more so in terms of the relations between Turkey and Cyprus.
This was acknowledged and the European Union made its first decisions. It also set the path for further decisions it may -let me stress this- it may need to make in the future. I want to point out that this is the first time an explicit authorization was given to Mr Borrel to write down on paper the options and tools that are at the disposal of the European Union to deal with Turkey’s provocative behavior.
You remember that this discussion has taken place before, but verbally. This time the order is clear. There is no margin for misinterpretations in regards to the scope of the task assigned to Mr Borrell. What is also clear is the timetable: Three months. All this will be discussed again in March, but after setting developments in motion, as agreed in October.
I will say this once more. During the previous press conference I stated that Europe is an ocean liner. It does not turn with the speed of a speedboat. But once it does turn, it keeps a steady course.
Giannis Christakos (MEGA): Prime Minister, there have been two developments today. One in Athens, where the extension of the lockdown was announced, practically until January next year. The other one here in Brussels, regarding the Recovery Fund.
Given that the Greek economy is deeply wounded and the measures announced today effectively do not offer something more until January, thousands of businesses -as market specialists estimate- may not open again. Thousands of workers that may not have a job next year.
I would like to ask you, with the perspective obtained in Brussels, given the Recovery Fund and the sums we are to receive, is there a robust new package you are going to announce soon, now knowing the proposals of the Pissarides Committee for the real economy? Or is it just the reforms that we already know of? Does the near future hold any further announcements, given what you know since yesterday? Thank you.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: First of all, let me reiterate what I have said many times before: what matters most is protecting lives and the public health. I am really sorry to see that, unfortunately, the number of cases and the pressure on the National Health System did not go down as quickly as it should for us to fully reopen the retail sector for Christmas.
Yet, I have no doubt that we did the right thing, what was necessary. Even though we acknowledge that this will be costly for the real economy.
The measures that have been announced are fully aligned with our experts’ recommendations. Having a very clear picture of how rapidly this virus may spread whenever mobility increases, I believe we did the right thing. Especially if we take into account the peculiarities of Christmas. I have no doubt about that. And I see that many European countries that were bolder in the resumption of retail shopping are now backtracking.
Having said that, I need to assure everybody once again, particularly businessmen, retailers, small and medium-sized shopkeepers who are hurt by this decision, that just like the Greek state has stood by them till now, it will continue to stand by them until this adventure is over.
You know that today starts the parliamentary debate on the budget, which will be endorsed on Tuesday. It features major provisions that aim to support the real economy for as long as it takes. We estimate that we will need to offer support for another three months, until the mass vaccination proceeds.
And we will use, Mr Christakos, the tools we have been employing so far and have been proven to be, given the circumstances, as effective as possible.
So, businesses that will see their turnover fall because of the restrictions we have imposed, will be compensated the following month through the tool of the Repayable Advance, which has been the case so far.
Greece has successfully protected jobs. Although this means that some of our fellow citizens have seen their income fall. I am fully aware that this is the price we have to pay. However, right now our priority is protecting employment, primarily lending support to low-wage earners, those with the lowest incomes. And the government has done this through its policies and it will continue to do so for as long as it takes.
There is a vaccine on the horizon now. We are aware of the timetable required for the vaccination of such a portion of the Greek population that will enable us to say that we have left this adventure behind us. We also know what we need to do until we get the vaccine. And I think that is something we need to stress in view of the holidays. There will be an increase in movement. We have enabled the retail sector to function, at least using the click-away option. I realize that this cannot make up for lost turnover during the Christmas season, but it is a boost for the retail market, a support during this difficult period of time.
It is absolutely necessary that these days we remain twice as vigilant, be careful when we move and beware of indoor gatherings. We should remain vigilant in our contacts with our elderly fellow citizens, so that 2021 can find us as healthy and prepared as we can be. Hopefully, as long as the timetables set by the European Commission are kept, we will start vaccinating the Greek population en masse as soon as possible.
Maria Psara (ethnos.gr and OPEN): Prime Minister, I have two questions for you and I would like you to answer both. First of all, Cyprus is supposed to be a winner in this Council and some attribute this victory to its threat to block decisions during the previous Council.
Looking back, do you think that it was a mistake that we did not join forces with Cyprus, when it was calling for simultaneous sanctions against Turkey and Belarus? And, generally speaking, we see that the veto threat does work. We saw that Hungary and Poland also won today. It does work. What is Greece’s “red line” to wield its veto?
One more question if I may. A short while ago Erdogan thanked the rational countries that ruined the plans of some countries with unjust demands. What is your comment on that statement? And I am wondering whether the Turkish President misunderstood the decisions made, given your satisfaction of the Summit’s decisions. Thank you.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: You got me a bit confused with your first question. If something benefits Cyprus, shouldn’t Greece be happy? And Greece fully stands by and supports Cyprus’ fair demands, acknowledging that the level of the Turkish delinquency and provocativeness in Cyprus is far higher compared to what has been happening in the Greek Exclusive Economic Zone.
Consequently, our strategies -in terms of the way we handle negotiations along with President Anastasiades- are perfectly aligned. And I think that this is the strategy that allowed us to achieve today’s result, which is beneficial to Greece, beneficial to Cyprus, beneficial to the European Union as a whole.
Woe if we separated our strategies on such critical national issues. We are perfectly aligned. The success of Cyprus is a success for Greece and the success of Greece is a success for Cyprus.
I have not read President Erdogan’s remarks in detail. I just saw the announcement made by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Having read it, I would not say it adheres to the logic you describe. I see (President Erdogan’s statement) and then I will be able to comment on it further. In any case, I think that the conclusions are now a given. And I do not think there is much room to question them in these cases.
And let me tell you something. There is no doubt that, as far as Turkey is concerned, not everyone ascribes to the same perspective within the Council. This is well-known. I am not telling you something unheard of. There were countries that, until recently, were completely against imposing any sanctions on Turkey. This is why there hadn’t been decisions on sanctions earlier.
To a certain extent, these countries have reassessed their view. This is, you know, the “fermentation” process that takes place during the meetings of the European Council. This is why I have repeatedly said that diplomacy is not a game settled in the moment. It is a fight that takes time. And one thing that Greece has certainly accomplished is that it acts with seriousness, responsibility, confidence and it has now built a front of alliances within the European Council, which enables us to stake our claims with persuasion when it comes to our fair demands.
It is not enough to think that you are right. You need to be able to convince others that you are right. Greece and Cyprus have managed to turn an issue that was traditionally perceived as a regional dispute between two member states and Turkey, to an issue that essentially concerns the European Union.
When we task Josep Borrell and the European Commission to re-evaluate the entire framework of the relations between Europe and Turkey -and by framework I am referring to the consequences of Turkey’s political choices that could affect Europe- I am not only talking about the Eastern Mediterranean. I am talking about Libya, I am talking about what is happening in Nagorno-Karabakh, I am talking about what is happening in Syria. All these are Turkish choices that concern Europe.
Therefore, I consider that this strategy is one that serves our national interests. We pursue it with consistency, with a great effort and effectively, I believe. I think that the results are evident.
Maria Aroni (ANT1): Good evening, Prime Minister. Thank you. My question is about the vaccination. At the European Council yesterday you discussed Covid and the need for member states to be prepared for the timely provision and distribution of millions of doses.
I would like to ask you whether following this discussion you have reached the conclusion that member states are indeed ready for this. Whether they have submitted their national vaccination plans, whether Greece has submitted its national vaccination plan to the European Commission. And whether you also discussed the PR campaign for vaccination, which is also important. Thank you very much.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: We estimate that by December 30th at the latest, the European Medicines Agency will have approved the first vaccine, made by Pfizer. As far as I know, its distribution to member states will start immediately thereafter. Within 24 hours, the vaccine should be available to all member states. And then, each European country will proceed, quickly and in accordance with the national plan it has formulated, to vaccinate its people.
I need to tell you that we have done a very serious job in terms of infrastructure in our country. Tomorrow, I will have the opportunity to preside over a meeting with all competent Ministries, as I oversee very closely the vaccination plan. This is the most difficult healthcare exercise ever undertaken in our country. This is true for all countries, not just Greece.
This exercise is difficult on two fronts. It is operationally tough, as you understand. The vaccines need to be transported to many different vaccination spots. These vaccines require a quite complicated and demanding distribution chain. We need to inform the people. Everyone needs to get two shots. The Ministry of Health is, obviously, involved, the Ministry of Digital Governance as well. We also have the support of the Armed Forces, wherever this is deemed necessary. So, this is a difficult exercise in itself.
And then we have the second part of this exercise, which you have mentioned. This is the communication strategy. Europe intends to launch its own PR campaign. But, obviously, all Member States, including Greece, will launch and execute their own campaign. I am talking about a campaign, this is a deliberate choice of words, as we are speaking about something much broader than a mere advertising effort which promotes certain messages. And I am very happy to see that, at least on this level, there is consent from all parties. We will act with full transparency, we will engage with the parties. And I really wish that this topic will not become another opportunity for political confrontation.
This is how we are going to proceed. We have a good starting point in our country, according to polls. A significant percentage of Greek citizens seems willing to get vaccinated. Some others are still reluctant. We shall never manage to convince some people that they need to get vaccinated. First and foremost I want to direct my words to those who are still undecided about getting the vaccine, the ones who are waiting, who are hesitant, the ones who wait to see more evidence and data. These are the people whom we want to talk to the most, in order to convince them that getting vaccinated is to their benefit and to the benefit of the country.
Only if we proceed with vaccinations en masse will we be able to regain control of our lives. Unfortunately, it has been proven that no other measure -certainly not the lighter measures that all European countries have tried- is enough to halt the spread of the virus.
We will execute our campaign (to inform the public). We will remind them of the history of vaccinations in our country. It has been forgotten. It may have escaped our attention how many diseases have vanished from the face of the Earth, exactly because of scientific advances that, through vaccination, can prevent them.
And I am sure that eventually the majority of Greek citizens will take part in this national effort and as soon as possible we will achieve the desired goal: To vaccinate an adequately high percentage of the Greek population, so that the virus cannot spread and we can definitively put this adventure behind us.
Dimitris Gatsios (ERT): Good afternoon Prime Minister. I would like to ask you whether you raised the issue of an arms embargo in your conversations with your counterparts and what was their stance on this issue?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Of course this issue was raised. And you are well aware this is not an issue on which the European Council may express its view. Europe has given some central directions on the issue of arms exports, which are in force. This is an issue that first and foremost concerns the member states themselves.
I raised this issue emphatically and I think that we are starting to win this battle over the rightness of our arguments. Since Turkey behaves in this way, the export of offensive arms to Turkey contravenes the principle of solidarity and undermines the interests of the European Union.
This will be a continuous battle that we will be giving. This is more an issue, as I said, of bilateral relations and less an issue to be decided at the European Council. But I think that member states are getting more and more sensitive on this. We will continue our effort.
