Greece's stance on the enlargement of the European Union
Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou addressing the European and Foreign Affairs Committees in Parliament on the EU Commission's Enlargement Policy Report, emphasized Greece's active engagement in the process, noting that enlargement is dynamic and evolving.
On Albania, Papadopoulou stressed that the issue of Fredi Beleri is central to Albania's EU accession, underscoring respect for the rule of law and minority rights as non-negotiable. She highlighted that Greece supports opening negotiations exclusively on the chapter concerning fundamental rights, asserting, "Greece is there to ensure compliance with these principles."
TURKİYE
Regarding Türkiye, Papadopoulou noted the report's critical tone on Turkish actions and pointed out, "When Greek positions become European positions, it signifies serious progress." On Cyprus, she welcomed the report's documentation of Türkiye's violations and the linkage between EU-Türkiye relations and the resumption of Cyprus talks.
Addressing North Macedonia, she reiterated the importance of the Prespa Agreement's full implementation and expressed concern over misuse of the country's constitutional name by its officials.
On migration, she acknowledged the Commission's recognition of cooperative progress while noting increased flows to Greece and insufficient migrant returns.
UKRAINE
Papadopoulou also highlighted the EU's renewed focus on Western Balkans enlargement, a long-standing Greek aspiration. On Ukraine, she reaffirmed Greece's strong support for its accession ambitions.
Asked about International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants for figures like Netanyahu or Putin, she reiterated Greece's respect for the ICC while stressing the need for peace in conflict zones such as Lebanon and Gaza, prioritizing a ceasefire and humanitarian relief. "Greece is one of the founding members of the ICC and of course it respects it. In the UN General Assembly we also voted in favour of the International Court of Justice in decisions on Israel. So there is no question of respecting the ICC. On the other hand, of course, putting the democratically elected head of a democracy and a Hamas terrorist on the same footing is not something that one accepts easily. The Greek Government's position is that what is basically the most important thing at the moment, as developments in Lebanon have shown, is to bring peace to the region. That is the number one concern, to bring about a ceasefire, to stop the fighting and to address the humanitarian situation in the region, which is really very difficult," she said.
AMNA
