Greek PM Rules Out Talks with Turkey Over Chevron's Crete Energy Exploration

In a wide-ranging interview with Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker during the UN General Assembly, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized Greece's economic recovery and addressed key foreign policy challenges, notably stating that Greece has "nothing to discuss with Turkey" regarding U.S. energy giant Chevron's hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete.

 
Mitsotakis highlighted that Greece will welcome a record 36 million visitors this year, with over 100 weekly direct flights from the U.S. He stressed the need to extend the tourism season beyond three months and upgrade sustainability standards. On the economy, he noted that Greece now borrows at lower rates than France or Italy, with primary surpluses enabling tax cuts and middle-class support. The minimum wage has risen from €650 to €880 since he took office, and Greeks under 25 now pay no income tax.

Investment and Reforms
Foreign investments totaling €30 billion have flowed into Greece over the past five years—more than the previous two decades combined. Mitsotakis acknowledged persistent bureaucracy but highlighted digital governance improvements and an AI advisory committee collaborating with major tech firms. He also noted a reversal in brain drain, with more Greeks returning than leaving.

Domestic Challenges
Housing remains the "biggest issue," with measures including rent subsidies and tax incentives for young people. Short-term rentals will be regulated "more substantially" to address the "Airbnb problem." On rising far-right influence in Europe, Mitsotakis cautioned against populism, citing Greece’s "heavy price" in 2015.

Foreign Policy
Regarding Turkey, Mitsotakis noted seven meetings with President Erdoğan but firmly rejected any dialogue over Chevron’s Crete exploration, which "confirms our sovereign rights." On China, he aligned Greece fully with U.S. and EU strategic interests despite the Piraeus port agreement made during the crisis. He also emphasized growing ties with India, calling it a "huge opportunity."

European Defense
Mitsotakis criticized Franco-German disagreements on the next-generation fighter jet, urging cooperation. He supported joint EU borrowing for defence and completing the Capital Markets Union, suggesting a "COVID-style emergency regime" for rapid response mechanisms.