“I think there is a general understanding that we need to move faster regarding the construction of a common European energy market, especially in Southeast Europe, where we still face high prices, higher than those in other member states. Therefore, greater integration of the energy market, through significant investments, interconnections, and networks should be a top priority regarding our common energy strategy,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, responding to a question during the press conference in Portorož, Slovenia, after the MED9 summit.
MED 9 – Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Meeting with the King of Jordan Abdullah II
“Additionally, we had interesting discussions regarding decarbonization, preparing for the European Council that will take place in a few days. And I sense that there is a general understanding among the 9 that we need to balance between the decarbonization goals we have already set and an equal emphasis on social cohesion and competitiveness. And I believe that this requires greater flexibility in achieving the ambitious goals we have set as a European Union,” he added.
Regarding European defense, the Prime Minister said: “The priority of the European Union now is directed towards the war in Ukraine, and we are dealing with that. I believe that we all agree on a 360-degree perspective on European defense. And when we think about new projects of common interest that we believe we can promote as a European Union, for example, the missile defense shield, we must know that future threats may not come from the East, but also from the South.
I think we are united because we want to ensure that the entirety of the European borders is absolutely protected and that there is a European capability that protects all member states, especially those located at the external borders of the EU.” (20/10/25)