Speaking in Brussels following the EU Summit on Friday, 19 June 2026, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed that retail prices for petrol and diesel have already dropped by more than 15 euro cents per litre. He stressed that the government is closely monitoring the fuel market to ensure the benefits of falling international energy prices are passed on quickly to consumers.
One-Week Lag Expected
‘There’s typically a time lag of about one week before price reductions at the pump reflect lower global fuel costs,’ Mitsotakis said. He added that regulatory mechanisms are fully operational and ready to intervene if needed.
The prime minister linked the easing of energy costs directly to reduced inflationary pressures stemming from recent developments in the Middle East and the Iran crisis.
EU Budget Talks Prove Difficult
Mitsotakis described negotiations over the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) as ‘extremely difficult’, acknowledging persistent disagreements among member states. ‘There are major differences between those who see the need for a more ambitious budget and those who view it solely through the lens of national contributions,’ he noted.
He assessed the goal of concluding negotiations by year-end as challenging. For Greece, safeguarding funding under the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy remains a non-negotiable priority. At the same time, he welcomed provisions for increased EU resources dedicated to migration management and climate action.
Ukraine War: Kyiv Holds the Floor
On the war in Ukraine, Mitsotakis reaffirmed that any negotiations with Russia must be led exclusively by the Ukrainian government. He supported the idea of a formal European communication channel with Moscow — but only if conditions warrant it.
‘Europe has already taken a clear stance in support of Ukraine. If such a channel becomes necessary, it should be represented by the President of the European Council, António Costa, speaking on behalf of all 27 member states,’ he said.
Strait of Hormuz: Free Navigation Is Key
Mitsotakis called the U.S.–Iran agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz a significant development for global economic stability and market confidence. ‘Ensuring freedom of navigation is the core benefit of this agreement,’ he stated, expressing hope that no further disruptions will occur.
He left open the possibility of Greek participation in an international maritime security mission in the region — provided it receives formal authorization from the UN Security Council. ‘Greece has demonstrated its ability to step up when required,’ he added, citing the country’s involvement in Operation ‘Shield’ as precedent.