“New Democracy is the strongest party in Greece and the European People’s Party is the strongest party in Europe,” said the President of the European People’s Party Manfred Weber at the beginning of his speech at the 16th New Democracy Conference.
Then referring to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he said: “Dear Kyriakos, in the years of your administration, you embodied our DNA and values. You have led Greece, the birthplace of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and democracy, back to the heart of Europe, where it belongs. After the dark years of the economic crisis and the dangerous Tsipras government, you took a stagnant country and turned it into one of Europe’s fastest growing economies.”
“Your policies are an example for the whole of Europe: You have ensured fiscal stability. You have created jobs, prosperity and wage growth again. Today Germany, Austria, the Netherlands can learn from Greece. Greece is the European model for how to return an economy to growth!
You have turned Greece into the energy hub of Southeast Europe. Today, more than half of Greece’s electricity comes from renewable sources: a model of modern technology.
You have positioned Greece as a pillar of our European security. You showed vision: with the proposal for the European anti-missile shield. You showed action: Greece protected the security of Cyprus with two frigates against Iran. You know that only a stable Europe will be a secure Europe.
You have shown that Europe can deal with illegal immigration. Thanks to your “tough but humane” immigration policy, illegal arrivals in Greece have fallen dramatically since 2019. Greece is guarding the EU’s external borders: a textbook to be followed across Europe,” he added.
“Dear Kyriakos, you are young in age, but you are one of the strongest and longest serving leaders of the EPP in the European Council”
noted the EPP President.
“The latest proof of Greek success: the election of Kyriakos Pierrakakis as President of the Eurogroup is a clear indication of the confidence you have restored both in Greece and Europe and – above all – in the Greek citizens! This is the leadership of the EPP at its best” he stressed.
Then referring to the EPP, he noted that the economy, defence and immigration are priorities of the EPP, “the left preaches; the far right spreads fear; the EPP solves problems,” he said.
“We support economic growth and competitiveness: thanks to the EPP, the EU is promoting the completion of the Single Market, simplification of legislation, new trade agreements and the creation of quality jobs. Europe is not a place of bans or a shop for more bureaucracy. Only a less bureaucratic Europe will be a successful Europe. Only a Europe that believes in entrepreneurship is a successful Europe. Only a Europe that believes in trade with rules is ready for the future.
We support a Europe that can defend itself: thanks to the EPP, Europe is working for a real Defence Union. We believe in NATO, we believe in transatlantic friendship. But the Greenland debate, where a NATO ally was challenged, shows us: we need to activate Article 42.7 for the EU’s mutual defence clause. When Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked. And the reaction cannot be spontaneous; it must be structured, clear and decisive. Dear Kyriakos, you are leading this work. You know: the Putins of this world understand only one language: power. Only a strong Europe will be a secure Europe.
We support a Europe that protects its borders and ends illegal immigration: thanks to you and the entire EPP family, there is now a new immigration and asylum pact and illegal border crossings in Europe have been reduced by 35% from 2024 to 2025. The EPP’s strong position on the return regulation was recently adopted: it is the state authorities who decide who enters Europe, not the smugglers,” he said.
Finally, speaking about the prevailing situation in Europe, Weber said: “Our Europe is threatened by populists and extremists. Look at the current polls in Germany, in France – where right-wing populist parties or even far-right neo-Nazi parties are gaining strength. Centre-left parties are losing everywhere. In the run-up to the European elections of 2029, our European future is at a critical juncture. We must continue to listen, decide and deliver results – the EPP’s recipe for success. We did it in Greece with Kyriakos and you have changed Greece in these 7 years! We did it in Poland with Donald Tusk! And I remember two years ago, I visited Budapest, I persuaded Peter Magyar to join the EPP. He worked hard and we supported him. And the Tisza party in Hungary won against Viktor Orbán. It was a great victory for the EPP. Today we have 12 Prime Ministers, Chancellors or Presidents; the Socialists only three and the Liberals also three. With Ursula von der Leyen we have the President of the Committee and with Roberta Metsola we have the President of the European Parliament. The EPP is leading, the EPP is Europe.”
Wrapping up his speech, Weber, addressing the delegates, said: “you have the confidence of the people. You are the truly pro-European party of Greece. The party of security, economic growth and stability. A strong Europe needs a strong Greece. And New Democracy is the Greek pillar of the strongest party in Europe.”
“Dear Kyriakos, thank you for your outstanding leadership for Europe and Greece. You have made Greece a strong voice at the European table. Dear friends of New Democracy, let us not be hesitant, let us speak with optimism: we are the driving force of Europe, we are the true People’s Party of Europe. With us, Greece is back and together in Europe we will have a good future,” he added.
