Tomorrow marks four years since Russia's attack on Ukraine, in clear violation of International Law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Today, the European Union and Greece will reaffirm their continued will to support Ukraine and targeted sanctions that will have a beneficial effect. We must state with absolute clarity that attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure constitute a clear violation of International Law and are not tolerated.
As far as the Middle East is concerned, it is particularly crucial to enter the plan's second phase. Greece, in cooperation with the Palestinian National Committee and the Palestinian Authority, will be there, both in humanitarian aid and reconstruction, and in stabilizing the region. I would like to point out that Palestine constitutes a single entity between the West Bank and Gaza, and therefore, any settlement activity should not be developed. Greece insists that there should be a new impetus, so that we have a political solution, which will allow the establishment of the Palestinian state, alongside a secure Israel.
Regarding Iran, Greece's position is that all diplomatic means should be utilized to avoid further escalation, which could create conditions of great unrest in the wider region and the world.
Today, I will have the opportunity to inform my fellow Foreign Ministers about Greece's willingness to undertake a series of initiatives in relation to the accession process of the Western Balkans. Over the last four years, the European Union has already developed many actions that contribute to its resilience and competitiveness. It is important that the European Union remains consistent, as it has since 2003 and the Thessaloniki Agenda, in giving a new impetus and vision to the peoples of the Western Balkans, and Greece will make sure to work decisively in this direction.
February 23, 2026