The European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, global macroeconomic trends, the latest developments in Ukraine and the Middle East, and Europe’s defense and security strategy are among the key issues on the agenda as the 27 EU leaders gather in Brussels on Thursday and Friday. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is taking part in the summit.
On the Multiannual Financial Framework, leaders will discuss the new negotiating framework (Nego-Box) presented by the Cypriot Presidency, marking the first time that indicative budget figures have been included in the discussions.
Greece’s position, which Prime Minister Mitsotakis has also stated publicly, is that the EU’s ambitious goals must be matched by an ambitious European budget. Revenue for the new budget—including both existing and new own resources, as well as other funding sources—must support the bloc’s expanded strategic and investment priorities.
A key priority for Greece remains safeguarding funding for Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), while ensuring that efforts to boost European competitiveness do not lead to wider disparities among EU member states and regions.
At the same time, drawing on the positive experience of the EU Recovery Fund, the prime minister has repeatedly advocated for common European financing—including joint European borrowing—to fund investments in shared European public goods such as energy and defense.
In discussions on EU competitiveness and global macroeconomic balances, Greece’s position is that improving the competitiveness of the European economy should be the top priority, as it is a key factor behind the EU’s trade deficit with China. Government sources note that while other factors, such as industrial subsidies that artificially lower prices, should not be underestimated, Europe’s own structural weaknesses remain the core problem.
These weaknesses include high energy costs, barriers to the effective functioning of the Single Market, and the financial fragmentation of the European continent. For these reasons, Greece strongly supports the investments and reforms needed in the European energy market, deeper integration of the Single Market, and rapid progress toward completing the Savings and Investments Union.
On security and defense, the prime minister is expected to reiterate his long-standing position that collective European defense must address threats facing the entire continent through a genuine 360-degree approach.
Regarding the Middle East, Greece has supported de-escalation and the search for a diplomatic solution from the outset. Athens welcomes recent developments and continues to emphasize—as the prime minister has stated—the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and immediately restoring freedom of navigation. Greece is also participating in the joint French-British initiative concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
At 4:00 p.m. Greek time, the prime minister will take part in the summit of leaders from the European People’s Party (EPP), followed by the European Council leaders’ summit at 7:00 p.m.
Earlier in the day, at 12:00 p.m. Greek time, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will deliver the keynote address at a high-level event in Brussels titled “Greece’s National Social Agreement: A European Model for Social Dialogue.” The event highlights the Greek experience as a model of social dialogue that could serve as an example at the European level.
Also scheduled to speak at the event are Labor and Social Security Minister Niki Kerameus, European Commission Executive Vice President Roxana Mînzatu—responsible for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness—and Seamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee.
