Mitsotakis and Metsola discuss EU geopolitical challenges, Ukraine and Greece’s economic progress

The meeting at the Maximou Mansion followed the inauguration of the Europa Experience Athens center at the Arsakeio Megaron—an interactive venue designed to give visitors firsthand insight into the work of Members of the European Parliament.

Mitsotakis said initiatives such as Europa Experience are essential at a time when populist voices “from both the right and the left” are growing louder, stressing the importance of educating younger generations about the EU’s role in promoting peace and prosperity. He added that preparations for Greece’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027 were also discussed in detail.

“Complex challenges require immediate, brave and dynamic responses,” Mitsotakis noted, emphasizing that Europe must “mature geopolitically” and take strategic decisions critical to its prosperity and security.

On Ukraine, both leaders reaffirmed the need for strong, practical EU support. Mitsotakis highlighted the recent energy agreements signed in Athens with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying the goal must be “a just and sustainable peace” aligned with Europe’s security interests. “Europe must be present not with words but with actions,” he said.

Metsola reiterated her commitment to helping the EU “end this war,” stressing that any settlement must be “lasting and fair,” based on the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” She thanked Greece for continuing to supply liquefied natural gas to Ukraine, calling it a vital lifeline ahead of winter and a contribution that strengthens transatlantic cooperation.

The European Parliament president also praised Greece’s economic turnaround, noting that unemployment has fallen from 27% to below 10%, with robust investment and growth placing the country ahead of many EU partners. She added that Greece has been “at the forefront” of managing migration pressures and welcomed progress toward a new EU solidarity mechanism.

Migration, she said, remains a top priority for the European Parliament, which aims to accelerate asylum procedures, increase returns and draw on Greece’s frontline experience to shape future EU migration policy.