Mitsotakis signals nuclear energy future and rules out Greek military role in Middle East conflict

On Wednesday, June 18, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that Greece should consider joining the European “nuclear alliance” in the future, as part of its transition to carbon neutrality.

Speaking at the Energy Transition Summit in Athens, Mitsotakis acknowledged the idea may surprise many, as “Greece is a country that has no background or experience in nuclear energy.”

However, he emphasised that global decarbonisation is unlikely without nuclear power and that Greece should “be part of the conversation.”

While reaffirming Greece’s 2019 commitment to phasing out coal, he noted that coal now makes up only 5% of electricity generation, with renewables exceeding 50%.

He highlighted solar dominance, growing wind energy ambitions—especially offshore—and ongoing investment in energy storage.

Στο πλαίσιο του συνεδρίου «Energy Transition Summit: East Med & Southeast Europe» που διοργάνωσαν οι «Financial Times» σε συνεργασία με την «Καθημερινή», είχα μια πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα συζήτηση με την Emiliya Mychasuk. pic.twitter.com/14au65QIFm

— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) June 18, 2025

On international affairs, Mitsotakis voiced deep concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, warning there appears to be “no clear off-ramp.”

He stressed that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and called for a diplomatic solution to prevent further economic and geopolitical fallout, particularly in trade and shipping where Greece plays a key global role.

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Mitsotakis reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian aid, stating, “We should not forget… the situation… is truly not just problematic but horrible.”

He also made clear that Greece will not participate militarily in any NATO operation in the Middle East: “This is not an operation that… affects Greece, and we have made that very clear.”

Finally, he noted that Greece has already conducted successful evacuations of citizens from Israel and remains prepared to protect Greeks in the wider region if necessary.

Source: Ekathimerini.