With the international scene changing rapidly after the US-Iran agreement and Europe seeking answers for its economy, defence and position on the new world power map, the leaders of the 27 are gathering in Brussels for a summit that will hardly make major decisions, but is expected to reflect the new alliances and the first major conflicts of the next period.

Climate and ‘red lines’
The timing doesn't go unnoticed. The Session opens a curtain a few hours after the Washington-Theran deal While the war in Ukraine remains open, European economies seek a way to regain competitiveness and relations with China cause more and more headaches in Brussels.

The '27' leaders will first discuss the new negotiating framework of the Cyprus Presidency, the so-called nego box, which now includes specific economic figures. It is obvious that there is no agreement now. On the contrary, they estimate that the final negotiation will reach the end of the year. However, the importance of this summit lies precisely in the fact that for the first time numbers are placed on the table.

The Greek side comes with clear "red lines". Partners of Kyriakos Mitsotakis point out that Europe's increased ambitions for defence, energy security and competitiveness presuppose a more ambitious European budget and new funding tools. In this context, Athens continues to support logic of common European funding and, where appropriate, joint European lending investment in common European goods such as defence and energy.

The Block
At the same time, the government rejects the idea of financing the Union's new priorities through cuts in the Cohesion policy and in the Common Agricultural Policy. It is no coincidence that on Friday morning Kyriakos Mitsotakis will join 15 other leaders at the meeting of the "Friends of Cohesion". This is an informal but powerful block of countries, particularly southern and eastern Europe, which seeks to prevent reductions in cohesion funds and the CAP, against the pressures of the most 'payable' Member States.

Also intense is Athens's concern with scenarios providing for a merger of traditional European funds into a single country financial scheme. At the top level, reservations have been expressed, but the vertical opposition of the Greek side, given that such an approach could weaken targeted support for farmers and less developed regions.

The "roofer in the room"
Today will be dedicated mainly to Ukraine, with leaders discussing the next steps in Kiev's accession process and opening up the first negotiating chapters. At the same time, security and defence issues will be examined, with the Prime Minister expected to reiterate the position that European defence must cover the threats facing the continent as a whole, through a real ‘360 degrees’ approach.

At the following leaders' dinner, discussions are expected to focus on China. As diplomatic sources say, the European strategy towards Beijing is developing into one of the most difficult balance exercises for the Union. Some countries are pushing for stricter trade measures and higher tariffs on Chinese products, while others fear a trade war with unforeseen consequences. The Greek position focuses on the need to strengthen Europe's own competitiveness through lower energy costs, deeper single market and faster progress in the Savings and Investment Union.

On Friday interest is transferred to the Middle East. Athens is expected to re-support the need for de-escalation and diplomatic settlement of disputes, welcoming the latest developments. At the same time, it will stress the need to fully restore the freedom of navigation and the smooth operation of the Straits of Hormuz, in which Greece participates through the Franco-British security initiative in the region. Immigration will be discussed at the same meeting.

Headlights in Greece

The event will also be attended by the Minister of Labour Victory Kerameos, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Roxana Minzatu and the President of the European Economic and Social Committee Seamus Boland, in a debate that government officials see as indicative of increasing European attention to the Greek example in the labour market.