The European Union must protect not only its eastern flank but also its southern and southeastern frontiers to be "fully shielded against any future threats," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has warned, arriving at an E.U. summit in Copenhagen.
Speaking at the informal European Council meeting, Mr. Mitsotakis called for the mobilization of European resources to support joint defense projects, such as a continent-wide missile defense system and anti-drone barriers.
"It cannot be limited to just the eastern borders," he stressed, arguing that Europe must take lessons from the war in Ukraine and invest in its own defense production and technological innovation.
Mr. Mitsotakis noted that Greece has committed to defense spending exceeding 3% of its GDP, well above the NATO target and the European average.
The summit's agenda is focused on strengthening support for Ukraine, managing migration, and enhancing Europe's collective security.