The Greek economy is ready to address the challenges arising from the sudden "change in the rules of the game" by the United States, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underlined on Monday, while chairing the Government Economic Policy Council.
Mitsotakis said that the government insists on a unified response from the 27 EU member-states, while saying that it was right that there had been no "spasmodic reaction" as Europe's response needs to be carefully analysed and studied in order to be effective.
At the same time, he pointed out that the two messages he wants to send following the latest economic developments are that fiscal stability is even more important now than it was a week ago, and that accelerating reforms to improve competitiveness is becoming more urgent in an environment of international turmoil.
"We will defend our national interests," the prime minister also said, underlining that he wants to set a low bar as regards expectations.
The Government Economic Policy Council, the prime minister said, will have a dual role, since it will once again synchronise the actions of the productive ministries based on the immediate and medium-term goals that have been set and, on the other hand, it will outline a national economic strategy specifically in light of the new situation and following the US decision to overturn, through the imposition of tariffs, what had applied in global trade up until now.
"This is a time of unpredictable risks for every state, and economic robustness takes on particular importance, since it is the arm on which the overall protection of our society is built," said Mitsotakis. "Political stability and internal cohesion are becoming an even greater challenge in a world threatened by geopolitical tensions and economic storms, which are the result of the deliberate decision of the US to change the rules of the game," he added.
He offered assurances that the Greek economy is ready to face these challenges by implementing the government's commitments to citizens, "as long as we view truth and stability as allies and insist on fiscal reliability."
"We will defend our national interests, and I want to keep the bar of expectations low because we do not know how the US will react. We have products such as olives, oil and feta cheese, which are not produced in the US and where imposing tariffs does not make much sense," said Mitsotakis.
Finally, he noted that the Greek economy should systematically seek to gain footholds in other markets through the trade of Greek products, while praising the crucial role of shipping in global trade.
Participating in the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, Labour Minister Niki Kerameus, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas, Maritime Affairs Minister Vassilis Kikilias, Rural Development Minister Kostas Tsiaras, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou.