The «6-point plan» of Kir. Mitsotakis's "Plan of Action" for the Informal Summit in Versailles

Developments in the Ukraine and how the EU can further support Ukraine in humanitarian, economic, and political terms—including by considering its application for EU membership—the reducing dependence on Russian energy sources, strengthening the EU’s defense capabilities, as well as strengthening the EU’s economic foundations, are, according to government sources, the key topics of the informal European Council meeting that begins this afternoon in Versailles.

Ο Kyriakos Mitsotakis has already called for action—through its «six-point plan» and its related letter to the President of the European Commission—so that nPut the brakes on rising natural gas prices to decouple geopolitics from the energy crisis, as the same sources note. At the same time, Mr. Mitsotakis succeeded in having this included in the conclusions of the previous European Council a plan for a package of measures designed to offset fluctuations in energy prices for households and businesses. Furthermore, he is expected to emphasize once again that this is a pan-European problem that must be addressed at the pan-European level.

With regard to the discussion on further development and investment in the EU’s defense capabilities, Athens has taken a clear stance on the need to strengthen the European security pillar, which will complement NATO and strengthen European strategic autonomy. Government officials also point out that Kyriakos Mitsotakis has repeatedly raised the issue of exempting defense spending from fiscal rules, a discussion that has once again become relevant, as The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the issue of European security and the need to strengthen the defense capabilities of a number of member states back to the forefront.

Regarding Ukraine, the Greek side, according to sources at the Maximos Mansion, intends to reiterate its support, something that has been demonstrated in practice through the dispatch of humanitarian aid and defense equipment. As for Ukraine’s request for EU membership, Athens agrees on the need to send a strong political message of support for Ukraine’s accession prospects. However, it should not be overlooked that the accession perspective is a process, the credibility of which must not be undermined.