The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis placed particular emphasis on the situation in Libya, arriving at the European Council Summit taking place in Brussels, on Thursday June 26. Mitsotakis addressed both migration issues and the controversial Turkey-Libya maritime agreement.

He underscored Greece’s concerns over migrant smuggling routes originating from Libyan shores and signaled a tougher stance by announcing that Greek naval vessels would be deployed just outside Libya’s territorial waters to intercept smuggling boats and return them to the North African country.

In a pointed message, Mitsotakis stated: “We must convey to the Libyan authorities that this practice cannot be accepted,” revealing his intention to seek the European Union’s backing on the matter. He also argued for clear positions from EU leaders against the Turkey-Libya memorandum, which Athens considers illegal and detrimental to regional stability.
Turning to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Greece’s prime minister said it is the right moment to renew calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, as a path to alleviating the suffering of civilians in the region.
According to the European Council’s draft conclusions, the Turkey-Libya maritime deal is explicitly criticized. The text notes that the agreement violates the sovereign rights of third states, is inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and cannot produce legal effects for other countries.
Furthermore, the Council reaffirms the EU’s firm support for Libya and the UN Support Mission in the country, calling for national reconciliation and inclusive dialogue grounded in Libyan ownership and consensus.