File photo.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday welcomed a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offering EU farmers early access to €45 billion from the 2028-2034 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget if the Mercosur trade agreement is ratified, in a last-ditch effort to secure support for the deal.
“This is a proposal that shows Greece’s voice in Europe is heard more loudly and more clearly,” Mitsotakis said in a social media post. “We continue, consistently, to support a strong Common Agricultural Policy for 2028-2034. For us, the present and future of the primary sector is a national priority.”
In a related development, Mitsotakis’ conservative government is expected to unveil its proposed measures later Wednesday in an effort to end a month-long deadlock with local farmers protesting delayed EU subsidy payments, rising production costs, and other grievances. Announcements are scheduled for 12 p.m. at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. Officials have said no further concessions will be made.