The acceleration of efforts to decisively enhance Europe’s defense readiness within the next five years, as well as strengthening the protection of the EU’s external borders combined with speeding up the return of illegal migrants who do not qualify for asylum and are on European soil, were included in the conclusions adopted by the 27 leaders of EU member states at yesterday’s European Council Summit.

It is noted that currently, eight out of ten illegal migrants in Europe do not return and remain on the European continent.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in his statements after the conclusion of the Summit’s proceedings, expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of a long-standing position of the Greek government in the White Paper about the activation of the escape clause, expressing hope that it “will be activated as soon as possible and possibly cover the year 2025.” “The European Commission’s proposal covers a four-year period, and I think that is reasonable since we need time and predictability to increase our defense spending,” the Greek Prime Minister added.

As for migration, Mitsotakis reminded that Greece has adopted “a tough but fair policy since 2020, which prioritizes the protection of external borders,” emphasizing that “it is now essentially a common understanding that we cannot have a cohesive migration policy without effective protection of external borders and without limiting the flows of those entering the EU illegally.”

He also reiterated what he had said upon arriving at the European Council’s proceedings, stating, “The government’s policy on this is very clear: anyone entitled to asylum in our country is welcome to stay in Greece. However, anyone not entitled to asylum will be sent back to the country from which they started their journey.”

Press conference after the conclusion of the European Council Summit

The conclusions on European defense
The European leaders call on the Council and co-legislators to expedite the work on the recent Commission proposals and continue the efforts on related funding options.

The European Council reminds that a stronger and more capable European Union in security and defense will positively contribute to global and transatlantic security and is complementary to NATO, which remains, for its member states, the foundation of their collective defense.

It is also noted that the above does not affect the specific nature of the security and defense policies of certain member states and considers the security and defense interests of all member states, in accordance with the Treaties. Finally, the European leaders call on the Commission and the High Representative to submit regular reports on the progress made in the implementation of defense work.

The conclusions on migration
The European Council encourages further work, especially regarding:

• the external dimension, particularly through comprehensive partnerships
• the implementation of EU-issued legislation and the application of existing laws
• preventing and addressing irregular migration, including new approaches in accordance with EU and international law
• efforts to facilitate, increase, and expedite returns using all relevant EU policies, means, and tools
• the concepts of safe third countries and safe countries of origin
• combating instrumentalization, human trafficking, and illegal trafficking
• aligning visa policies with neighboring countries
• and ensuring safe and legal routes according to national competences.

The European Council reiterates the EU’s determination to strengthen security at its external borders and ensure effective control, in accordance with EU and international law.

The European Council calls on co-legislators to prioritize progress on migration-related files. In particular, it urges them to rapidly examine the Commission’s recent proposal on returns.

Conclusions of the European Council on the European economy
During the Summit, EU leaders, in the presence of European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, discussed competitiveness, Europe’s fiscal policy, and the digital euro.

According to the conclusions on the euro, partners decided to increase resilience and competitiveness, policies that enhance productivity, and to boost investments. Leaders emphasized the urgency for “rapid progress towards a Union of Savings and Investments, with particular emphasis on the Capital Markets Union to mobilize savings and unlock financing for necessary investments, mainly to support the competitiveness of the EU.” Additionally, they decided to accelerate the progress of the digital euro, which is “crucial for supporting a competitive and resilient European payment system, contributing to Europe’s economic security, and enhancing the international role of the euro,” as stated in the conclusions.

Conclusions of the European Council on the Middle East
In the conclusions of the European Council, the leaders of EU member states expressed their regret over the collapse of the ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas’ refusal to release remaining hostages, and reiterated the importance of uninterrupted humanitarian aid access across Gaza.

At the same time, the European Union, according to the conclusions, is ready to cooperate with its Arab partners, as well as other international partners, regarding the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan, which was approved at the Cairo Summit on March 4, 2025.

Regarding Syria, the leaders condemned “the recent widespread violence against civilians in the coastal region of Syria” and called on transitional authorities to ensure the protection of all civilians and for the perpetrators of violence to be held accountable according to international rules and standards. In the conclusions, they stressed the “importance of a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, free from harmful foreign interventions, and the protection of the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination.” Furthermore, the European Council reminded of the recent suspension of EU sanctions under a gradual, reversible approach, stating that “the EU will continue to consider possible further suspension of restrictive measures based on close monitoring of the situation in Syria.”

Finally, the European Council welcomed the end of the political deadlock in Lebanon and “expressed the EU’s readiness to cooperate with the new authorities to stabilize the country’s economic and security situation.”