Mitsotakis Shares Insights on NATO, European Defense, and Greece's Tourism Boom in CNN Interview

Interview of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with CNN's Julia Chatterley on 13/07/2024

Julia Chatterley: Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, is with us. Mr. Prime Minister, it is always a pleasure to have you on the show. Welcome. You have been on the world stage for many years. You have also known President Biden for many years. Can I start by asking you personally if you have seen any noticeable changes and if you understand the concerns being expressed right now?

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Julia, I understand the interest in this topic, but I will not enter into this discussion, for obvious reasons. President Biden was present at all the NATO meetings, always engaging eloquently on important matters. American elections are ultimately for the citizens of the USA to decide.

Julia Chatterley: Of course. May I ask, have you had a chance to speak to him?

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: I have had brief interactions, yes. But in this context, as you know, there isn't much time to talk at length. However, he was always pleasant and engaging with me.

Julia Chatterley: One more thing. He mistakenly referred to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine as President Putin during a press conference but corrected himself quickly. Was it as awkward in the room as it was for those watching?

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: I was not present during that press conference. While I was there, he did not make such a mistake. These things happen at public events sometimes, and while it's embarrassing, it is an understandable slip.

Julia Chatterley: Indeed. You have long been a staunch advocate of providing more aid and support to Ukraine. Do you think enough has been done to ensure continued support for Ukraine and also its path towards NATO membership as a result of these talks?

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: At the Summit, there was a clear commitment that Ukraine's path to becoming a NATO member is irreversible. All NATO countries have done a lot to support Ukraine, both bilaterally and within the Alliance.

The outcome of this Summit is that the Alliance is stronger than ever, now with 32 member states, and the commitment to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense is clear. Greece has been meeting this benchmark for years, and it is pleasing to see other countries making up for lost ground.

This is also a matter of great interest to us Europeans. We cannot simply rely on the US for our defense; European countries need to increase their defense spending. I am a strong supporter of European strategic autonomy, which complements NATO. If all European countries spend more on defense, NATO benefits as well.

Julia Chatterley: For those concerned about the prospect of "Trump shielding NATO," is the increase in defense spending to 2% of GDP a way to "organically shield" the Organization?

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: We must indeed spend at least 2%, and perhaps even more in this changing geopolitical landscape. Whoever makes this argument from the US side is basically right. Europeans have realized that defense expenses are necessary, particularly with the war in Ukraine.

These costs are covered by our national budgets. However, we will eventually need a European defense mechanism to supplement our economic strength with more resources. A debate on this issue is necessary in Europe, and I have raised this at the European Council level. With my Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, we proposed a European "Iron Dome." This is a conversation that needs to happen soon.

Julia Chatterley: You have supported joint European defense projects. With rising nationalists and populists in recent elections, do you think it's more challenging to reach agreements on such joint projects?

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Yes and no. Centrist parties hold a majority in the European Parliament. This was demonstrated by the confirmation of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission. In Greece, the center has taken hold, and many similar governments exist in Europe.

Fears about the rise of the far right in Europe were somewhat exaggerated. The recent European elections did not show a dramatic rise in the extreme right. However, we must address real grievances about issues such as the cost of living and immigration. Traditional parties need to offer credible answers and real political solutions.

Julia Chatterley: Greece's tourist season is crucial. What measures have you put in place for the influx of visitors?

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Visitors to Greece generally have a great time, which is why they keep returning. We must protect our tourism industry from climate change and extend the tourist season to avoid overcrowding. This largely addresses concerns about overtourism.

We are investing significantly in our tourism infrastructure to upgrade our product and ensure sustainability. This year is expected to be a record year for tourism in Greece.

Julia Chatterley: On a different note, there have been headlines about a six-day working week in Greece. Can you clarify this?

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: That is a myth. Greece has a five-day work week. Employees can work four days if they complete the 40 hours and agree with their employer. In exceptional cases, with employee consent and additional wages, a sixth day can be added in 24/7 businesses. We take labor rights protection seriously and have stringent measures against employers who break the law.

Julia Chatterley: Except you, Prime Minister, because I know you work 24/7. Nice talking to you.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Thank you, Julia. Thank you for the hospitality.