Mitsotakis: Europe Cannot Do More With Less – Calls for a Bold EU Budget in Talks with Portugal’s Prime Minister
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro discussed Europe's future priorities, defence, competitiveness and the EU's long-term budget, stressing that Europe must match its ambitions with adequate funding.
HomeΠΑΡΑΣΚΗΝΙΟΕΛΛΑΔΑMEDIAAYTOKINHTOENGLISHGreek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro discussed Europe's future priorities, defence, competitiveness and the EU's long-term budget, stressing that Europe must match its ambitions with adequate funding. Europe must adapt to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape by matching its ambitions with the necessary financial resources, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed during joint statements with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro following their meeting at the Maximos Mansion. The two leaders discussed the European Union's future priorities, with a strong focus on defence, competitiveness, migration and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). According to the Greek Prime Minister,the European Union is facing a completely new reality, requiring increased investment in strategic sectors while maintaining economic resilience. "Europe cannot do more with less. We need a budget that reflects tomorrow's challenges, not yesterday's priorities,"Mitsotakis said, emphasizing that Europe must be prepared to finance its growing responsibilities. A stronger Europe through strategic investmentDuring the meeting, the two Prime Ministers highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Greece and Portugal on key European issues ahead of critical negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget. Mitsotakis argued that Europe must simultaneously:strengthen its collective defence,accelerate the digital transition,safeguard its external borders,improve economic competitiveness,maintain strong cohesion policies and the Common Agricultural Policy,and invest in strategic autonomy. Budget must match Europe's ambitionsThe Greek Prime Minister warned that the European Union cannot continue expanding its responsibilities without increasing available funding. He called for a "bold approach" to the next Multiannual Financial Framework, arguing that Europe's security environment, technological transformation and geopolitical challenges require significantly greater financial commitments from member states. Cooperation between Greece and PortugalThe discussions also reaffirmed the close relationship between Greece and Portugal as two southern European countries that share common priorities on:European cohesion,migration management,energy security,economic growth,and strengthening the Union's global role. Both leaders agreed that the upcoming negotiations on the EU budget will play a decisive role in shaping Europe's ability to respond effectively to future crises. Europe's new geopolitical realityMitsotakis concluded that Europe must remain united while adapting to an increasingly unstable international environment. The message from Athens was clear:a stronger European Union requiresgreater strategic investment, increased defence capabilities and a financial framework capable of supporting the Union's expanding responsibilities. Ακολουθήστε το Lykavitos. gr στο Google Newsκαι μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςΔιαβάστε ακόμηOne in three taxpayers filed returns: Over 70% owe no taxTax return submissions are proceeding at rapid pace, with one in three taxpayers already completing the process. Following the automatic finalization of 889,036 pre-cleared returns. . . 20 Απριλίου 2026Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Sparks Debate in GreeceChristopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey has sparked widespread debate in Greece over historical authenticity, cultural heritage, and artistic freedom. 21 Ιουλίου 2026Greece’s 3-year rent tax exemption: Extension and expansion on the tableWith housing costs continuing to rise and finding affordable accommodation becoming an ordeal for thousands of households, the government is considering extending or even broadenin. . . 14 Ιουλίου 2026Διαβάστε επίσηςπερισσότερες ειδήσεις από το lykavitos. grΦόρτωση άρθρων. . .