Mitsotakis pushes back on Turkey F-35 debate: 'the real story Is Europe's defence' - ProtoThema English
The prime minister noted that, when issues concerning Greek-Turkish relations arise, “we discuss them among ourselves" and that the focus should be on defence, with Greece having hit 2035 targets
Prime MinisterKyriakos Mitsotakiscriticised the Greek media’s “exaggeration” over Turkey’s potential acquisition of American F-35 fighter jets, saying he is “always surprised” by the embellishment in reporting within parts of the Greek media. Speaking atThe Economist’s 30th Annual Roundtable with the Greek Government, Mitsotakis said the focus of the recentNATOSummit should be on Europe’s broader defense strategy rather than speculation surrounding the F-35 issue. “I’m always surprised by how some parts of the Greek media report this news with such a high degree of exaggeration and an inability to grasp the complex dynamics we’re facing,” he said. OnGreek-Turkish relations,the prime minister stressed that such matters are handled through direct communication between the two countries, adding that he had nothing further to say about the F-35 issue. Instead, he argued that the summit’s key outcome was Europe’s commitment to significantly increase defense spending. “The important message coming out of the Summit is that Europe will spend more on defense. That is the only way to convince the United States that we take our defense seriously. ”Europe must take greater responsibilityMitsotakisdescribed the NATO Summit as “extremely successful,”saying it reinforced last year’s decisions on strengthening Europe’s role in its own security. He said theEuropean Union must assume greater responsibility for defence, linking the issue to Europe’s strategic autonomy and the development of its defense industry. The prime minister also highlightedGreece’s defence spending, saying the country has already reached the NATO target originally set for 2035. “Greecehas already achieved, as of 2026, the target set for 2035. This places us among an elite group of just five NATO members that have already reached this milestone. ”Migration no longer a top concernMitsotakis also defended the government’s migration policy, arguing that migration has fallen sharply as a concern for Greek citizens. “When we took office in 2019, there were 30,000 migrants on Lesbos. Today there are about 300,” he said. He attributed the decline tostronger border protection,cooperation with Turkey, and a clear government policy aimed at discouraging illegal crossings. He also said Greece had helped steer the European debate toward a more pragmatic approach on migration while continuing to save lives at sea. Investment, defense and EU enlargementThe prime minister called forgreater private investment in data centers and innovation, saying Greece has strong momentum in the start-up sector but warning that Europe has created excessive regulation that discourages investment. He also said Europe should consider forming a group of countries willing to move faster on defence cooperation, adding that theSAFEmechanism would make joint defense procurement easier. On EU enlargement, Mitsotakis saidMontenegrohas a realistic chance of becoming the Union’s 28th member within the next two years, reaffirming Greece’s support for the Western Balkans’ European aspirations. Metsola: Europe has dramatically increased defense spendingEuropean Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who joined Mitsotakis in discussion, said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had fundamentally reshaped Europe’s priorities, with defense budgets rising sharply across the continent. She noted that ten countries are currently seeking EU membership and said both Canada and the United Kingdom have expressed interest in participating in the SAFE defense initiative. Metsola also saidmigration pressures have easedas irregular arrivals have declined, but stressed that lasting solutions require legislation, dialogue and cooperation with countries of origin. Looking ahead, she noted that 2027 will be a major election year across Europe, including in Greece, France and Poland. Ask me anythingExplore related questions> GreeceIn reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & videoThe Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and IranApril 10, 2026In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic yearApril 10, 2026Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)April 10, 2026Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecastApril 10, 2026Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to CorfuApril 10, 2026