I would like to welcome you all to the Presidential Mansion and convey to you and your families my sincere wishes for 2026.
Allow me to extend through you, dear Ambassadors, my warm wishes to your countries for peace, stability and prosperity.
We live in a period of time were the security architecture of post WW2 and the rules-based order are being challenged, a period where geopolitical tensions and conflicts are growing and power politics are being strengthened to the expense of multilateralism, dialogue and cooperation.
The vision that lied at the core of the UN Charter was that international relations should be based on the sovereign equality of all its members, that the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state should be prohibited and disputes should be settled through peaceful means.
However, today these fundamental principles of the international legal order are being violated, while human rights and international humanitarian law are being disregarded in many parts of the world.
A few days ago, we commemorated the sad 4th anniversary of the illegal Russian invasion in Ukraine, a war in the European continent that has been the deadliest in terms of lives lost since WW2.
A war that has led to massive suffering due to relentless airstrikes against major cities and critical energy infrastructure in the middle of extremely harsh winter conditions in Ukraine.
A war that is not merely a regional conflict, but has global impacts – on food and energy supplies, on supply chains, and commodity prices.
And most importantly a war that has undermined the UN Charter, the rules-based order, and the principle that borders cannot be changed by force.
Greece has since the beginning supported Ukraine in its fight for national sovereignty and territorial integrity and will continue to back all efforts for a fair, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with international law and the UN Charter.
The international legal order was also challenged in the case of the Middle East, where during the last two years we have witnessed an escalation of violence which caused immense losses of human lives, suffering and destruction.
The peace plan proposed by the US was a commendable initiative. Greece looks forward to the implementation of its second phase and is ready to contribute to humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, and regional stabilization.
While focusing in Gaza let us not forget the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem where violence continues and including in many instances against Christian communities.
At the same time a new impetus needs to be given towards a political solution that will allow for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.
Tension is mounting also in the wider region (Iran), where all diplomatic avenues should be exhausted to prevent further escalation that could trigger serious instability in the wider area and beyond.
Apart from Ukraine and the Middle East, armed conflicts are on the rise all over the world. Among others, the conflict in Sudan continues to inflict devastating consequences for the civilian population. Millions of people have been forced to flee their homes and are in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine.
Dear Ambassadors,
The global landscape has become highly unstable and unpredictable and international security is eroded not only by armed conflicts, but also by other challenges including hybrid threats, climate change, rapid technological developments and migration.
In this very critical juncture for the world, the foreign policy of Greece remains committed to multilateralism, and respect of international law, including the law of the sea, the UN Charter and the UN SC resolutions.
As a non-permanent member of the UNSC, we believe in the values of dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means to find viable and mutually acceptable solutions to international problems. Our goal is to constitute a reliable partner and a pillar of stability and security in our neighborhood, including the Eastern Mediterranean, and beyond.
As regards the Western Balkans, our immediate neighbors, we spare no effort for the acceleration of their integration in our European family by assisting in the adoption and effective implementation of the EU acquis while also promoting interconnectivity projects.
With our eastern neighbor, Turkey, we continue our three-track approach. While disagreements persist, we keep dialogue channels open. And we aspire that our region be shaped in the future not by rivalry but by shared prosperity, always based on the fundamental principles of international legal order, including the principle of non-use or threat of use force.
The Cyprus issue remains still unresolved despite almost 52 years since Turkey’s illegal invasion. The Republic of Cyprus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity is a matter of credibility of the UN and a matter of upholding its core values. Greece will continue to actively support all efforts to resume official negotiations with a view to achieving a fair, sustainable and functional solution, on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions and EU law.
Ladies and gentleman,
We believe that through further developing our economy, increasing our energy resilience, enhancing our deterrence capabilities and expanding our partnerships we can strengthen our capacity to defend our values.
Many steps have been taken towards the goal of Greece becoming an energy security provider in our area. In this context, we are promoting the so-called Vertical Corridor which, while strengthening our transatlantic relationship, will contribute to safeguarding the energy security of the European continent.
With regard to the increase of our military deterrence capabilities, we maintain one of the highest defense budgets in NATO, while a massive 12-year modernization plan (2025–2036) has been adopted aimed at transforming the Hellenic Armed Forces into a high-tech, rapid-response force.
Furthermore, we are strengthening our ties with traditional friends and allies, while developing dynamic synergies with new partners in our wider region.
At the same time, we believe that our security and prosperity cannot be guaranteed by national means alone. On the contrary, we are convinced that a united, strong and resilient European Union is more needed than ever. For this reason, my country aspires to play an active role in the processes of strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy and deepening our shared European project, especially during the Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2027.
Excellencies, dear Ambassadors,
The world is changing and we must adapt. But above all, we have a duty to ensure that future generations will live in a more peaceful, sustainable and just world, with less violence, inequality and insecurity.
So here, in the birthplace of Athenian democracy, let us raise our glasses and wish that this year marks the end of violent conflicts and the beginning of a new era of cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
I thank you again for your presence here today and I wish you a happy and healthy New Year for you and your families.
