Mitsotakis from Brussels: Rapid Activation of Escape Clause for Defense Spending – Triantopoulos’ Brave Act

“I hope the escape clause will be activated as soon as possible and will apply to the year 2025. It is a right that its inclusion in the White Paper,” said Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the start of his statements after the conclusion of the European Council works. “On defense spending issues, we can find a framework of agreement,” Mitsotakis continued during the press conference following the Summit’s end. “I want to remind you that in early April, I will present the main axes of the new 12-year armament program. We may disagree on many things, but I hope we can find common ground on defense spending issues,” he emphasized. Regarding Christos Triantopoulos, he stated: “He would ask us to see the bigger picture. Since 2006, I have spoken about revising Article 86 so that there wouldn’t be double standards for political responsibilities. Mr. Triantopoulos, with a brave act, does what everyone has been asking for: to be judged by a natural judge. I wonder how the Opposition, especially PASOK, can say the opposite today of what they said just a week ago.” He added: “We don’t build trust this way. I believe citizens prefer politicians to be judged by their natural judges. We’ve seen investigative committees and where they’ve led… I will lead the effort to change Article 86 as I have committed.” On the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, Mitsotakis expressed concern about developments, noting Turkey’s candidacy status for EU accession. “There is no scheduled date yet for my visit to Ankara,” he replied to a related question. On migration, he remarked: “Greece was at the forefront of change in migration policy since 2020. We adopted a tough but fair migration policy. I’m pleased that the EU is moving towards a second priority set by Greece: effective returns. Eight out of ten who do not qualify for asylum do not return today, and this must change. Whoever does not qualify for asylum, we will do everything within our power to ensure their return.” Regarding a meeting with Donald Trump, the Greek Prime Minister responded: “I am unaware of any scheduled Erdogan-Trump meeting or my own meeting with President Trump. I assume it will happen, but I have nothing planned to announce. Greek-American relations are based on depth and are not determined by Turkey.