Supporting Ukraine and its European perspective ahead of the anniversary of the Russian invasion, strengthening the competitiveness of European industry as it moves towards climate neutrality and at a time when European businesses face an inflationary energy crisis, and immigration issues. The main issues on the agenda of the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Europe in Brussels, government sources said.

On the economic front, the same sources recall that the relevant discussion began with the previous meeting of the Council of Europe and concerned the reaction of Europe to the American law to reduce inflation. At this European Council, discussion is expected to focus on proposals presented by the European Commission to strengthen European industry as it moves towards climate neutrality, government sources emphasize.

The focus is on loosening state aid rules, which, however, favors larger countries that also have larger budgets to support their businesses, as pointed out by Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

According to government sources, the prime minister is expected to stress that this is not enough and that it could lead to even greater inequalities between member states.

He will point out, according to the same sources, that more flexibility is needed in the use of European financial instruments, as was done during the pandemic, a position that other countries, such as Italy, for example, are also taking.

Finally, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to highlight the need for Europe to move more ambitiously to support its businesses in the transition to a green economy and invest money, as he did with RepowerEU.

In the field of migration, Greece’s constant position is to support the frontline countries that face the pressure of migratory flows at their borders. In the case of Greece, the challenge arises daily at both land and sea borders, the borders of the EU. The Prime Minister will reiterate the need for EU funding for aerial surveillance of maritime borders and the creation of artificial barriers to cut off the channels of illegal immigration and smugglers. The Prime Minister is also expected to emphasize the need for a holistic approach to this issue, which will strike a balance between solidarity and responsibility. This requires cooperation on immediate return to countries whose citizens are not eligible for international protection, according to government sources.

Against the background of the deadly earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as he has already stressed, will emphasize the need for coordination and response to the humanitarian catastrophe caused by earthquakes.

Greece is expected to react immediately and become the first country to send aid to Turkey, while he is expected to stress the need for coordination as aid will also be needed to deal with the long-term effects of the earthquake.

Regarding the case of Syria, he will say that the situation is more complex and that international coordination is required to deal with the humanitarian catastrophe, but European instruments must also be found.

Finally, Greece is ready to send humanitarian or other assistance to Syria through the European Civil Protection Mechanism and in cooperation and coordination with European partners, government sources emphasize.

Source: RES-IPE