Gerapetritis Meets Finnish Counterpart: Europe Faces Hybrid Threats North and South

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis hosted his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen, in Athens for a meeting described as highly positive, highlighting converging views on European and international affairs. Gerapetritis praised Valtonen as an influential figure with valuable experience and a clear vision for Europe's strategic autonomy.

The two ministers, representing nations that are both EU members and NATO allies, identified shared priorities in addressing contemporary challenges. A key focus of their discussion was the European perspective of the Western Balkans. Greece, as the longest-standing EU member in the region, reiterated its firm support for the accession of Western Balkan countries, provided they adhere to international law and principles of good neighborly relations.

Both Greece and Finland agreed that enhancing Europe's competitiveness requires a growth-friendly environment that fosters investment, innovation, and industry, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical uncertainties. The ongoing crises in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran were cited as stark reminders of Europe's need to bolster its strategic autonomy and reduce dependence on third parties in critical sectors like defense, energy, and supply chains.

Further discussions on Europe's future security architecture are slated for the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Cyprus. Gerapetritis noted that both northern and southern European countries face common challenges, including asymmetric and hybrid threats. He stressed the importance of solidarity among member states for European security, with Greece, leveraging its maritime tradition, placing particular emphasis on maritime security.

“

Greece, with its long maritime tradition, attaches particular importance to maritime security.