Greece and Sweden on have called for increased European funding for defense initiatives, highlighting a key outcome of talks between their prime ministers aimed at bolstering the continent's security and economic resilience.
The joint appeal underscores a growing consensus within the European Union for greater financial commitment to defense.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, discussed strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in economy and defense, alongside broader European issues during their meeting in Stockholm.
Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of initiatives designed to bolster European defense capabilities.
He stressed the critical need for "additional funding" to implement projects of common European interest, specifically referencing the direction outlined in the recent Draghi report on EU competitiveness.
That report, delivered in September 2024 by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, urged massive new investments and a more coordinated industrial policy to prevent Europe from falling into "slow agony" compared to rivals like the United States and China.
The leaders also extensively discussed Greece's initiatives to protect minors from digital addiction, including the "Kids Wallet" program, and explored potential avenues for joint European action in this area.
Views were also exchanged on Artificial Intelligence regulation, with Mr. Mitsotakis underscoring the necessity of finding the "right balance between innovation, technological development, and the regulatory framework for platforms and tech companies."
European economic competitiveness and collective European defense were additional topics covered during the productive talks, reflecting both nations' commitment to a more secure and economically robust European Union.