Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ statement upon his arrival at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (Luxembourg, 14.04.2025)

Europe is facing unprecedented crises, including wars, humanitarian crises, and climate crises. These universal crises threaten not only the global security architecture but also fundamental humanitarian values.

Europe must speak with one voice based on the European values that have shaped its institutions, namely adherence to international law, peaceful resolution of disputes, cessation of hostilities on all fronts, and commitment to the rule of law and democracy.

There should be an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. We condemn the attacks carried out in recent days. Ukraine should maintain its territorial integrity and independence.

Europe must be actively present in the Middle East so that hostilities can be terminated. We are particularly concerned about the situation in the West Bank. A political dialogue should be initiated, which would eventually result in the establishment of a Palestinian state with the participation of the Palestinian Authority, which is the only legitimate authority in the wider region.

Europe should have an active presence in Syria, ensuring the full integration of all ethnic and religious communities. Special emphasis should be placed on adherence to international law, especially the International Law of the Sea.

Europe should actively participate in humanitarian crises, both in Africa and elsewhere, to end the nightmare currently afflicting the planet.

Last but not least, Europe should finally prioritize the Western Balkans. Twenty-two years after the commencement of the process, Greece continues to actively promote the Western Balkans' EU accession. The process should advance based on its own merits principle.

Europe should enlarge and be strengthened. That requires one single institutional European voice. Thank you.

April 14, 2025