Mr. Mitsotakis: The green transition will take place in a way that does not undermine competitiveness

The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had a meeting with the Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero Emissions, and Clean Development, Wopke Hoekstra, at the Maximos Mansion. During the meeting, issues within the Commissioner’s portfolio were discussed, with an emphasis on the EU’s climate commitments alongside economic development and support for the competitiveness of European industry.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Greece is on a good trajectory to meet the EU’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and that our country has a balanced energy mix, with increased penetration of renewable energy sources, while making a special reference to the transitional use of natural gas.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis pointed out the issue of distortions in the energy market, which lead to significant discrepancies in electricity prices among EU countries. He stressed that such distortions are not acceptable in a single market, reiterated the importance of interconnections between the member states of the Union, and highlighted the need for the green transition to align with high competitiveness of the European economy.

Issues related to the European tax framework and its importance for economic development, strategic autonomy, and internal convergence of the EU were also discussed.

At the beginning of their meeting, the Prime Minister and the Commissioner had the following dialogue:

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: You have a very broad portfolio and there are many issues to discuss. I understand that you have already had productive meetings with the relevant ministers, but it is always a pleasure to see you. I was thinking that on days like this, when it is sunny, there is a normal wind, and energy consumption has not reached the summer highs, we produce a significant part of our energy, covering a significant part of our energy needs from renewable sources. As you know, we are at the forefront of the green transition.

Of course, we are equally interested in ensuring that the green transition takes place in a way that does not undermine the competitiveness of the European and Greek economy, especially the industrial base. So we will have a lot to discuss, always with an eye on the future. It is always good that when we meet representatives of European institutions, we no longer talk about the past, but about the future, because in the discussions that took place in the past, other rather painful issues dominated. Now, however, our agenda has a very forward-looking and positive approach.

We want to contribute, in the broader sense, to the European discussion. These are very complex issues that you are dealing with. We are here to support the agenda.

Wopke Hoekstra: Mr. Prime Minister, thank you very much for your hospitality, but also for the excellent work you are doing in the government. I can truly commend what the government and the country have achieved in the field of the economy, really very impressive, but also regarding its connection to clean development and climate. We have already had some truly excellent meetings.

However, I believe that what is or should be at the center of European policy, the connection of competitiveness with climate and energy independence, is what I see happening here in practice. I believe this is an example for all of us and should truly inspire all of us in Europe regarding how we will move forward. So thank you very much for the welcome, but also for the truly impressive work you are doing. Thank you.” (27/5/25)