Mitsotakis at EU Summit: Europe Must Shield Consumers & Businesses — “No Repeat of 2015 Crisis”

At today’s European Union Summit, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a clear message to EU partners: Europe must become more effective in protecting consumers and businesses from the effects of the ongoing energy crisis, and must prevent a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis.

 Economic and Energy Protection

With energy prices surging due to ongoing Middle East instability and global market disruptions, Mitsotakis urged the EU to prepare both short-term and long-term measures to support households and businesses affected by inflation and energy costs.

“Europe must prepare measures to protect consumers and businesses from rising energy prices,” he said, emphasizing that swift and targeted interventions are essential, drawing lessons from previous crises.

EU officials are reportedly considering tools such as tax relief, network fee reductions, and more flexible energy market regulations as part of the response to the energy shock affecting both markets and households.

 Mutual Assistance Clause and National Response

Mitsotakis also highlighted the importance of effectively activating the EU’s mutual assistance clause, noting that Greece acted promptly to support Cyprus when it was attacked. He stressed the need for a clear institutional mechanism to ensure permanent and structured solidarity.

“The response to the crisis must be both national and European,” he said, underlining that Greece is already taking all possible steps to support its economy, but European-level responses will be necessary if the crisis persists.

Avoiding a New Migration Crisis

A key part of Mitsotakis’ address was migration. He warned that Europe cannot tolerate a repeat of the 2015 crisis, when millions of people arrived at EU borders under unprecedented migratory pressures.

“The crisis must not lead Europe into a new migration emergency. We must be ready for all scenarios and protect our external borders,” he said. This aligns with ongoing EU discussions on border controls, cooperation with third countries, and strengthening European migration and asylum mechanisms. 

Political and Geopolitical Context

Mitsotakis’ intervention comes as the EU faces multiple pressures: the energy crisis threatening supply chains and economic stability, and Middle Eastern tensions potentially triggering new population movements. Preliminary reports suggest that energy, economic stability, and migration will dominate negotiations among EU leaders during the summit.

The Summit Declaration is expected to emphasize EU internal energy security, measures to counter rising prices, and a broader strategy linking energy security, economic competitiveness, and citizen protection.

Source: pagenews.gr