Europe must adapt to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape by matching its ambitions with the necessary financial resources, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed during joint statements with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro following their meeting at the Maximos Mansion. The two leaders discussed the European Union's future priorities, with a strong focus on defence, competitiveness, migration and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

According to the Greek Prime Minister, the European Union is facing a completely new reality, requiring increased investment in strategic sectors while maintaining economic resilience.

"Europe cannot do more with less. We need a budget that reflects tomorrow's challenges, not yesterday's priorities," Mitsotakis said, emphasizing that Europe must be prepared to finance its growing responsibilities.

A stronger Europe through strategic investment

During the meeting, the two Prime Ministers highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Greece and Portugal on key European issues ahead of critical negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget.

Mitsotakis argued that Europe must simultaneously:

  • strengthen its collective defence,
  • accelerate the digital transition,
  • safeguard its external borders,
  • improve economic competitiveness,
  • maintain strong cohesion policies and the Common Agricultural Policy,
  • and invest in strategic autonomy.

Budget must match Europe's ambitions

The Greek Prime Minister warned that the European Union cannot continue expanding its responsibilities without increasing available funding.

He called for a "bold approach" to the next Multiannual Financial Framework, arguing that Europe's security environment, technological transformation and geopolitical challenges require significantly greater financial commitments from member states.

Cooperation between Greece and Portugal

The discussions also reaffirmed the close relationship between Greece and Portugal as two southern European countries that share common priorities on:

  • European cohesion,
  • migration management,
  • energy security,
  • economic growth,
  • and strengthening the Union's global role.

Both leaders agreed that the upcoming negotiations on the EU budget will play a decisive role in shaping Europe's ability to respond effectively to future crises.

Europe's new geopolitical reality

Mitsotakis concluded that Europe must remain united while adapting to an increasingly unstable international environment.

The message from Athens was clear: a stronger European Union requires greater strategic investment, increased defence capabilities and a financial framework capable of supporting the Union's expanding responsibilities.