Mitsotakis urges EU to grant fiscal flexibility for energy and fuel costs

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the EU needs to step in with greater fiscal flexibility to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices and fuel taxes on Greek citizens. He pointed to Greece’s current budget surplus and fast-track deficit reduction as proof that the country can afford to back income support. Mitsotakis noted that lowering fuel taxes would only be possible with a specific EU exemption, and that discussions on such an exemption are ongoing at the European level.

He reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to the green transition, noting that more than 55% of its electricity now comes from renewable sources, while acknowledging the continued short-term role of fossil fuels for energy security. The prime minister also linked the issue to broader maritime concerns, warning that extra charges on shipping routes could raise consumer prices.