Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged a diplomatic solution to the conflict involving Iran, while cautioning that Europe must be ready for a worsening crisis.
Addressing the XI Delphi Economic Forum in talks with European Council President Antonio Costa, Mitsotakis warned that any prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have major economic consequences, pushing energy prices higher, fuelling inflation and slowing growth across the continent.
“Greece is doing better than other countries in Europe, but no country can be considered protected against a shock of such magnitude,” he said.
He emphasised that Greece would not accept the idea of charges on open sea routes, highlighting the risks such a move would pose to global shipping and calling it a “catastrophic precedent.”
While reiterating support for diplomacy, he made clear the EU must prepare for all scenarios, stating: “We need a Plan B in case this crisis spreads, because the economic repercussions will be significant. No EU member state can be forever relying on its societies without some form of European support.”
The Prime Minister pointed to the Ukraine war as a warning about energy dependence, arguing that Europe must strengthen its strategic autonomy.
He noted the importance of expanding renewable energy, exploring nuclear options and investing in domestic capabilities rather than relying on external suppliers.
Mitsotakis added that although the conflict is “not Europe’s war,” the EU must remain engaged, particularly in safeguarding global shipping.
He also called for a broader regional role, including humanitarian support for Lebanon, involvement in Gaza’s reconstruction, and continued support for Ukraine, stressing that lasting solutions must come through negotiation rather than “a position of weakness.”
