Mitsotakis – Merkel Focus on Migration, Green Investments

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Photo Source: @Prime Minister GR

Finding a sustainable solution to the migrant issue, German investments with a focus on sustainable development, and strengthening Greek-German ties were the main topics discussed on Thursday, between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

“We look to Germany’s support in the migrant issue because Greek borders are Europe’s borders,” Mitsotakis said during a joint press conference following the two leaders’ meeting.

Photo Source: @Prime Minister GR

Merkel noted that a European mechanism must be in place to prevent irregular migrants from entering the EU and that the EU-Turkey agreement must be enforced, admitting however that a sustainable solution for migration issues was still very far away.

Mitsotakis and Merkel also exchanged views on a 2020-2030 green development plan and how Germany can invest in projects in Greece that will focus on climate protection.

The two leaders agreed to work together on renewable energy and waste management. In this direction, a joint Greek-German business forum will be held next year to encourage German companies to invest in these two sectors in Greece.

“We want, together with the Chancellor to present an ambitious program on climate protection in the next few years,” the Greek PM said referring in large part to energy and adding that a “green” development plan was being drawn up and would be announced in December.

On her part, Merkel stressed the importance of Greece moving ahead with the implementation of its commitments as part of its enhanced supervision, adding however that the “Greek economy had made great progress”.

Other issues on the agenda included Turkey’s provocations in Cyprus, Greece’s economic policy, EU policy, and WWII reparations.

Meanwhile, in an interview to German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Mitsotakis said the Greek economy could grow at a rate of 3 percent over GDP, inviting German entrepreneurs to invest in Greece.

Last week, Mitsotakis discussed investments, climate change, unemployment, the Cyprus issue, and common EU challenges with French President Emmanuel Macron during his official visit to Paris.