
Albania and its path towards the European Union was one of the issues that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was asked about at the traditional press conference, within the framework of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair.
Asked about relations with Tirana and problems related to the properties and rights of the Greek minority in Albania, Mitsotakis said that Athens supports the European perspective of the Western Balkans, but that each country will be judged separately for its progress.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, stated, “ The progress that has been made in registering property and protecting all rights is not sufficient. Rest assured that, at the right time, we will exercise our rights to ensure that minority rights are fully protected. ”
The Greek Prime Minister stressed that the issue is not only bilateral, but also related to the respect of European law. The opening and closing of negotiation chapters also requires the approval of the European Union member states, he said.
As for North Macedonia, the head of the Greek government was even more blunt, emphasizing that there is, essentially, no progress in the European negotiations. Therefore, we are at a much earlier stage compared to Albania, he concluded.
The press conference came a day after Mitsotakis announced from Thessaloniki a broad package of economic measures with wage and pension increases, tax cuts, and aid for families, farmers, and businesses, which he will implement if he wins a third term in the spring of 2027, when parliamentary elections are scheduled.
Opposition parties and some media outlets critical of the government greeted the speech with economic measures with skepticism, while thousands of citizens, unions, farmers and organizations protested in central Thessaloniki on Saturday evening against the high cost of living and government policies.