Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for Europe to bolster its defense autonomy in response to the United States’ recent policy changes regarding Ukraine. Speaking at a business conference in Thessaloniki on February 20, 2025, Mitsotakis emphasized the urgency for Europe to “wake up from the geopolitical and economic lethargy” that has prevailed.
This statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership and suggesting that Ukraine initiated the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump’s assertions have raised concerns among European leaders about the reliability of U.S. support in the region.
Mitsotakis highlighted the necessity for Europe to develop its own defense capabilities, reducing dependence on the United States. He pointed to the recent U.S.-Russia peace talks, which notably excluded Ukrainian representation, as a catalyst for Europe to reassess its strategic autonomy.
In response to these developments, European Union countries are discussing the establishment of a €500 billion joint defense fund aimed at enhancing collective security and addressing regional threats independently.
