FT: Mitsotakis' initiative in the EPP to increase EU defense spending

“Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece and President of New Democracy, one of the largest national parties in the center-right European People’s Party, will urge his EPP colleagues to support a statement supporting defense funding initiatives during an EPP meeting tomorrow morning, ahead of an emergency summit of the 27 EU heads of state later that day,” the article says.

The meeting of the EPP leaders will take place a few hours before the crucial European Council meeting, where Ukraine and the strategy for European defense in the shadow of the Trump administration’s moves will be the focus. Yesterday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen published a series of proposals that are in line with proposals previously submitted by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, such as the establishment of a common fund of 150 billion euros for key defense investments and budgetary flexibility for the defense spending of member states.

Europeans must urgently strengthen their defense
According to the FT, the Greek Prime Minister, based on his draft statement obtained by the British newspaper, is expected to emphasize to his EPP colleagues that: "the need for Europeans to urgently strengthen their defense is today clearer than ever. However, we are still lagging behind and time is not on our side," continues Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Elsewhere, the Greek prime minister calls on the EPP to understand the need for swift action and support funding proposals aimed at increasing spending so that the Old Continent can strengthen its defense capabilities.

Clear message to friends and foes on EU defense
“We should remain open to these funding options, without sacrificing speed for perfection… and pursue some game-changing changes to send a clear message to both friends and foes about our commitment to take EU defense seriously,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis will tell his colleagues, according to the report.

Regarding the Trump administration's stance on collective defense, which is a cornerstone of Europe's post-war security, the Prime Minister will note that "the new American administration has shown its tendency to redefine and redesign its involvement in European security."

"The future of the EU's defense efforts will be shaped by the way we approach funding issues, by the way the EU structures its defense tools and by its attitude towards partnerships," Kyriakos Mitsotakis will underline.