Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking earlier at the opening open debate of the 60th Conference, indicated the consolidation of a policy that leads to development as the most appropriate, in order for European states to continue to respond to their defense funding and at the same time to achieve their fiscal goals Security of Munich.

“We, as Greece, have always spent a lot of money on our defense, as we are constantly faced with important geopolitical challenges, which other member states of the Union do not face. We should continue to do it, but at the same time be more intelligent in our approach”, noted Kyriakos Mitsotakis and emphasized that “this will be another challenge, as our budgets are under pressure, due to the technological and energy transition as our economies emerge from the pandemic.”

The prime minister underlined, in fact, that “we will have to rationalize the European defense industry and make strategic decisions on where to direct our resources, there cannot be 6 and 7 different suppliers of weapons systems in Europe”.

Mr. Mitsotakis pointed out that we need to ensure that our defense industry will adapt to the new geopolitical challenges, and to the new way in which military confrontations are now conducted around the world.

The Greek prime minister also referred to the European Union’s recent decision to treat defense spending differently in the way each member state’s debt is calculated, while he insisted that the landmark decision to create the Recovery Fund should be a guide in the effort to find more resources for Defense.

At the start of the debate, Economist editor-in-chief and panel moderator Zanny Beddoes, congratulated the Greek prime minister on yesterday’s passing of the civil marriage equality bill, while Mr. Mitsotakis was applauded by those present.

He declared himself proud as the leader of a center-right party, which managed to pass the specific bill.

When asked whether world leaders are really working to consolidate peace, the Greek prime minister emphasized that Greece was faced with an aggressive neighbor on its eastern border and yet it was the one that was steadfastly in favor of reconciliation and that now is trying to consolidate a more permanent recession with Turkey.

“We cannot be naive, when you seek peace you must prepare for war. We should not underestimate the war in Ukraine, in the heart of Europe, something unthinkable a few years ago, it was a shock to us all and a resounding bell. Finally and to a question about China, Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized that there are areas where we can cooperate and others where we are strategic competitors, it is always good to talk with our Chinese counterparts”.