In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Greece's Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) will convene an emergency meeting on Wednesday afternoon, presided over by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The meeting, scheduled for 16:30, has been prompted by the rapidly deteriorating situation in the region, particularly following Iran’s missile strike on Israel.
The agenda will centre on the latest developments, with a focus on their potential repercussions for Greece, regional stability, and the safety of Greek citizens in the area.
According to government sources, a contingency evacuation plan for Greek nationals in Lebanon and Israel is in place, ready to be activated should the situation worsen. For the moment, however, there have been no formal requests for evacuation.
Greece has traditionally maintained a balanced and measured approach towards conflicts in the Middle East, advocating for diplomacy, dialogue, and de-escalation. In the current conflict, the Greek government is expected to reaffirm its call for restraint from all parties involved and urge a return to negotiations. Given the long-standing strategic ties with both Israel and Arab nations, Greece walks a delicate diplomatic line, promoting peace and regional cooperation.
Athens remains particularly concerned about the broader implications of the conflict, fearing that further escalation could destabilise not only Israel but also neighbouring countries, with potential knock-on effects for Europe. The Greek government is also acutely aware of the humanitarian impact of the ongoing violence and will likely join international calls for aid and protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.
In addition to contingency evacuation plans, Greece is closely coordinating with its European partners and NATO allies regarding the unfolding situation. The country has a history of evacuating its nationals during crises in the Middle East and North Africa, as demonstrated in previous conflicts. The Greek Armed Forces and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have prepared logistical operations, ready to mobilise quickly if needed.
At the same time, Greece is likely to play a role in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. With its strong ties to the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, Greece is positioned to contribute to international efforts to mediate the conflict, leveraging its relationships with Israel, Lebanon, and other key regional players.
As the situation develops, Greece's immediate priority remains the safety of its citizens, while its broader foreign policy will likely continue to stress peaceful resolution and multilateral dialogue, in line with its established principles in international diplomacy.