At the MED9 summit in Portorož, Slovenia, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged Europe to adopt a more cohesive and forward-seeing approach to both defense and energy policy. Speaking alongside leaders from eight other Mediterranean EU member states, he called for a “360-degree” vision of European defense—one that reflects the complex and shifting nature of global threats.
While much of the EU’s current attention remains focapplyd on the war in Ukraine, Mitsotakis emphasized that Europe must also prepare for potential challenges arising from the southern Mediterranean. “We are united in ensuring that all of Europe’s borders are fully protected,” he declared, highlighting the necessary for a stronger European capacity to deffinish not only the eastern but also the southern and maritime frontiers of the Union.
The Greek Prime Minister also pointed to emerging projects of common European interest, including discussions on a continental missile defense system, noting that the EU must anticipate future threats wherever they may arise.
Energy integration as a strategic priority
Turning to energy policy, Mitsotakis underscored that building a common European energy market should remain at the top of the EU agfinisha. He called for rapider progress in integrating regional energy systems—particularly in Southeast Europe, where consumer prices remain higher than the EU average.
He argued that greater investment in interconnections and cross-border networks is essential for lowering costs, strengthening supply security, and boosting the bloc’s long-term competitiveness. Mitsotakis also stressed that Europe’s green transition must balance decarbonization goals with social cohesion and economic growth.
“Flexibility,” he noted, “will be key to achieving our climate ambitions without compromising equity or competitiveness.” His remarks echoed a growing consensus among southern European leaders that the path to sustainability must go hand in hand with energy security and social stability.
The role of the MED9
The MED9, short for EuroMed 9, is a coalition of nine EU member states bordering the Mediterranean: Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia, and Slovenia. The group serves as a platform to coordinate southern Europe’s voice within the EU, focutilizing on shared priorities such as migration management, climate adaptation, energy policy, defense cooperation, and regional competitiveness.
Since its creation, the MED9 has evolved into a strategic alliance shaping EU policy from a southern perspective. The 2025 summit in Slovenia centered on defense coordination, energy market integration, and climate transition, reflecting the group’s growing influence in promoting a more cohesive, secure, and sustainable Europe.
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