Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is engaged in a high-stakes diplomatic effort in Brussels, where the European Council summit is underway. His central objective: securing Greece’s access to vital EU funding — and persuading fellow member states to expand financial tools for social policy. With national elections looming, the timing is critical. The summit is debating the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, which will shape EU spending on policies and investments for the next seven years.
Greece’s Three-Pronged Priority List
At the summit, Athens is advocating for three key goals:
First, preserving current funding levels for the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) — two pillars that support regional development and rural livelihoods across the EU.
Second, ensuring the new Competitiveness Fund — designed to help European businesses compete globally — is distributed fairly. As Mitsotakis stressed upon arrival, the fund must not deepen economic disparities between stronger and more vulnerable EU economies.
Third, calling for new, jointly funded EU instruments to support national budgets in areas like defense and migration. While the EU budget for migration has already been increased, Athens is urging broader solidarity mechanisms amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising security demands.
Domestic Preparations for Thessaloniki Fair Announcements
Simultaneously, behind the scenes in Athens, intense internal coordination is under way to secure additional fiscal space for measures expected to be unveiled at the Thessaloniki International Fair (DETH) later this year. Whether elections are held this autumn or in spring 2027, these announcements will carry strong pre-election weight.
Economy as the Government’s Core Political Asset
The economy remains the government’s strongest political card. Anchored in the narrative — “We said it, we delivered it, and we’ll do even more” — the Prime Minister’s Office is betting heavily on continuity and political stability as prerequisites for growth and higher household incomes. As a senior government source told newsit.gr: “The fruits of growth — the wealth generated — are being returned, and will continue to be returned, to society.” Tackling the cost-of-living crisis and boosting incomes — especially for the most vulnerable — is described as an “non-negotiable priority” and lies at the heart of the government’s plan for the next term.
Pierakakis’ Assurance on Fiscal Space
Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierakakis reinforced confidence in available resources during a visit to Patras. “I can tell you this now: there will be fiscal space — and there will be concrete support for society,” he stated. He specifically referenced the so-called energy escape clause, a flexibility mechanism allowing additional public investment in energy infrastructure and transition projects.