Mitsotakis: Greece will not participate in military operations in the Middle East
Since the onset of the crisis in the region, Greece has expanded its geopolitical and defense role to support Cyprus and respond to Bulgaria’s request for air defense assistance. “We were the first European country to send two frigates and four F-16s to help our Cypriot brothers, while also assisting Bulgaria,” Mitsotakis said. He emphasized that Greece has encouraged other European countries to strengthen Eastern Mediterranean security, sending a signal that the region should be a European priority.
On operations in the Persian Gulf, Mitsotakis noted Greece’s ongoing support for the EU mission “Aspides” in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, clarifying that this does not extend to the Strait of Hormuz or the Persian Gulf. Asked if Greece would participate in broader military action, he replied, “No, Greece will not engage as long as military operations continue. We strengthen our defensive posture and will not act independently without a European mandate.”
Mitsotakis stressed that Europe should focus on the economic consequences of the crisis. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming European summit to manage energy and economic impacts, noting that prolonged instability would increase downside risks. He emphasized that Greece seeks rapid de-escalation and believes the Middle East conflict cannot be resolved militarily, while also opposing nuclear weapons in Iran.
Regarding energy, the Prime Minister praised Greece’s performance in keeping electricity prices low and becoming a net electricity exporter—a first for the country. He reaffirmed plans for renewable energy investment, continued reliance on natural gas as baseload power, hydroelectric development, and exploring nuclear energy as a long-term option. Greece aims to act as a regional energy hub with strong grid interconnections within Europe.
On domestic economic measures, Mitsotakis cited tax cuts, support for incomes, and temporary market interventions such as caps on fuel profit margins to prevent price exploitation during crises. He emphasized that a stable government with a strong parliamentary majority is critical for decisive action.
Finally, he addressed social issues, including protecting minors on social media, managing AI risks, and tackling deepfake content, noting that official announcements on these initiatives will be made soon.
