Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will call for ambitious measures to bolster the European Union’s defence capabilities at today’s (March 6) extraordinary European Council Summit.
With geopolitical uncertainty on the rise, Mitsotakis will emphasise the need for a unified European response, particularly concerning Ukraine, and will advocate for stronger EU-US relations.
Strengthening European Defence
The summit, focused on enhancing the EU’s collective defence autonomy, will come at a crucial moment for European security. Mitsotakis will reaffirm that Europe must take bold steps beyond the usual measures to ensure the security of its member states. He will highlight the need for significant investments in defence and stress that Europe must not remain complacent in the face of growing threats.
Greek government sources have welcomed the “REARM Europe” initiative recently proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, viewing it as a positive step toward strengthening the EU’s security framework. The Greek Prime Minister has previously advocated in the Financial Times for the establishment of a new €100 billion European financial instrument dedicated to defence investments.
EU Defence Spending and the Escape Clause Debate
A key issue at the summit will be the details surrounding defence spending, particularly the proposed activation of the EU’s fiscal “escape clause” for military expenditures. Athens firmly believes that this measure should apply equally to all EU member states, regardless of whether they currently meet NATO’s 2% of GDP defence spending benchmark.
A Unified Voice on Ukraine
On the issue of Ukraine, Mitsotakis will call for European unity, arguing that a fragmented EU response only weakens the prospects of a peaceful settlement. He will stress that informal summits and inconsistent messaging risk deepening divisions rather than fostering cohesion.
Furthermore, Mitsotakis will highlight the need for continued dialogue with the United States to ensure transatlantic alignment on security guarantees for Ukraine. The Greek Prime Minister will advocate for sustained European support for Ukraine’s defence capabilities, asserting that a militarily strong Ukraine is essential for maintaining its sovereignty and deterring future aggression.
Securing the Future of European Defence
Ahead of the EU summit, Mitsotakis has already presented a declaration at the European People’s Party (EPP) meeting, underscoring the urgent need to enhance EU defence funding. He sees this as a cornerstone of European strategic autonomy, reinforcing the continent’s ability to respond to security threats independently.
As European leaders prepare for what is expected to be a complex and high-stakes discussion, Mitsotakis’ message will be clear: Europe must act decisively, with a unified voice, to protect its security interests and uphold stability in the region.