Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is in Brussels, where he is participating in the work of the European Council.

On his arrival, he stressed that the last Summit of 2024 is primarily about Europe's position in the world in view of the latest, very important geopolitical developments, from the election of Trump in the US to the ongoing war in Ukraine, and from the crisis in the Middle East and developments in Syria to the relations between the European Union and the global South.

The need to support the economic and geopolitical dynamism of our continent unites the European Council. Whether we are talking about improving its competitiveness in line with the recommendations of the Draghi report, or whether we are talking about strengthening its defence capacity so that it can on its own prevent any threats that may arise within the European Union," the Prime Minister stressed, adding:

"Greece has been a protagonist in shaping a more active defence policy of the European Union. We will have the opportunity to discuss these issues at an extraordinary summit in February, but it is absolutely clear to me that Europe must allocate more European resources to its common European defence.

What was first put forward by Greece some months ago and which seemed perhaps a very distant dream is now beginning to be met with a sense of urgency by many European countries. And I will have the opportunity today once again to present the Greek positions on this issue.

Obviously, we will also discuss developments in the Middle East. I will inform my counterparts about the visit I made to Lebanon and especially about the concern that exists both in Lebanon and in Syria about the need to protect the various religious communities, and I am referring in particular to the Greek Orthodox in Lebanon, but primarily in Syria, who also fall under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Antioch.

The most important thing at the moment for Syria is to ensure the territorial integrity of the country and for the new government to be first and foremost an inclusive government, which will both support and safeguard the rights of religious minorities. And obviously, in this debate, Europe must come with a unified view, and Greece will have a key role in shaping the European approach to the issues concerning Syria."