French President Emmanuel Macron has described Greece as “a model of economic progress,” highlighting the country’s recovery trajectory and strengthening bilateral ties with France during a Greek-French business forum held in Athens.
Speaking alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the forum, held at a major cultural venue in the Greek capital, both leaders underlined the growing strategic, economic and political partnership between the two countries, framing it as an example for broader European cooperation.
Macron pointed to Greece’s post-crisis performance, noting strong economic growth above the EU average and a significant reduction in unemployment following years of structural reforms. Addressing investors, he called Greece’s recovery “a model of economic progress” and stressed that confidence in the country is further reinforced by its growing international role.
He also highlighted the scale of French economic presence in Greece, citing more than 200 French companies operating in the country and over 17,000 employees, with investments exceeding €2 billion over the past decade. Cooperation, he said, is expanding across defense, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and renewable energy, including wind power projects.
However, Macron cautioned that investment levels still fall short of Greece’s potential, given its improved stability and recent economic history, adding that “much more can be done” to deepen bilateral economic ties.
On the broader geopolitical context, the French president emphasized the need for a more competitive Europe, arguing that the continent must become faster and more cost-efficient to remain globally relevant. He also stressed Europe’s strategic autonomy in defense, technology and economic policy, while supporting new international partnerships, including emerging connectivity corridors linking Europe with other regions.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis echoed the message of closer cooperation, describing Greece and France as being “closer than ever” across political, strategic, economic and cultural levels. He said their partnership could serve as a “model for Europe,” grounded in mutual trust, shared European identity and historical ties.
He recalled France’s support for Greece’s entry into the European Economic Community in 1981, calling it a decisive moment in the country’s modern development. Mitsotakis also pointed to the 2021 strategic partnership agreement between the two nations, recently upgraded, as a milestone that reflects an increasingly multidimensional relationship.
According to the Greek prime minister, current global challenges make European defense and competitiveness urgent priorities, requiring deeper cooperation and joint investment in areas such as cybersecurity, defense systems and technological innovation. He also stressed the importance of moving beyond traditional supplier relationships towards closer industrial co-production between the two countries.
Source: tovima.com
