Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis Attends EPP Summit in Berlin

09:31 17/1/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is in Berlin today to participate in the European People’s Party (EPP) leaders’ summit. The event gathers key political figures from across Europe

to discuss pressing issues on the continent’s political and economic agenda.

During his visit, Mr. Mitsotakis will meet with Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for chancellor. The two leaders are expected to exchange views on bilateral relations, European economic challenges, and regional stability.

The Prime Minister will also hold discussions with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. Their meeting will likely focus on cooperation within the EU, democratic values, and legislative priorities for the bloc.

Mr. Mitsotakis’s presence at the EPP summit underlines Greece’s active role in shaping European policy and fostering collaboration among member states.

Greece emphasized the ongoing aggression by Russia against Ukraine during a United Nations Security Council meeting, highlighting the significant humanitarian, political, and global repercussions of the conflict. The Greek Permanent Representative to the UN, Evangelos Sekeris, stressed the importance of upholding international law, ending hostilities, and pursuing a comprehensive strategy for peace. Recognizing Ukraine’s struggle to defend its sovereignty amid relentless Russian airstrikes, Sekeris condemned recent attacks, including the bombing in Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in the highest civilian casualties in two years. Greece called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law, strongly condemning strikes on civilians and critical infrastructure.

Concerns over the broader implications of the conflict were raised, particularly the reported involvement of North Korean troops, which Greece described as a threat to international peace and nuclear security. Sekeris reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to international law and dialogue, calling for Russia’s immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. “Greek foreign policy has always been rooted in our dedication to international law. We reaffirm our commitment to a just and lasting peace, which requires the full withdrawal of Russian forces in accordance with the UN Charter and General Assembly resolutions,” he stated.

The UN also provided a sobering update on the humanitarian crisis, with UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo reporting over 12,456 civilian deaths, including 669 children, since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. The destruction of schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure has worsened conditions for millions, particularly during winter. DiCarlo noted that humanitarian needs in 2025 remain staggering, with 12.7 million people requiring assistance and $2.6 billion needed for urgent relief efforts.

Amid reports of human rights violations, including executions and torture of prisoners of war by both Russian and Ukrainian forces, DiCarlo underscored the critical need for accountability. Despite these challenges, recent prisoner exchanges between the two countries offered a rare glimmer of hope for increased cooperation. The UN reiterated its readiness to support efforts aimed at ending the conflict and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.

Greece, alongside other nations, urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and reinforced the call for a path toward a fair and enduring peace.

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