Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis expressed Greece's support for the process of integrating the Western Balkans into the EU, speaking at the meetings of EU foreign ministers in the Gymnich format held in Warsaw.

However, he stressed that this requires "a commitment to international law, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for the principles of democracy."
Gerapetritis remarked that this Gymnich is occurring at a particularly pivotal moment for the strategic autonomy of the European Union. He emphasised the necessity for the EU to enhance its defence capabilities and expand its international presence in order to secure a robust position in the world during challenging times.

Referring to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, he remarked that we are, unfortunately, perhaps experiencing the most challenging period in the world since then, as we have been enduring the war in Ukraine for over three years following the Russian invasion. There are still hostilities in Gaza. Every day, new hotbeds of conflict emerge around the world, such as the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Additionally, there are dehumanising conditions in various regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa-specifically in Sudan-where individuals are displaced and teetering on the brink of poverty.

Gerapetritis concluded by saying that the EU and the world "should emphasise that the lessons of World War II should remain active. The human value, freedom, should be the first and the big issue in the world."
 

(Photo: EPA/Pawel Supernak)