Speaking at a session of the Government Council for Economic Policy in Athens on April 7, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for a unified European response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs targeting EU products.
“The right thing to do is not to act immediately and spasmodically,” he said, “because this response requires analysis. Either way, we will strive to protect national interests.”
Among the affected Greek exports to the U.S. are olive oil, olives, and feta cheese—products that account for just under 5% of Greece’s total exports for 2024. Despite their modest share in trade volume, these goods carry significant value not only for Greece’s agricultural sector, but also for the Greek Diaspora, which now pays more to enjoy these staples from home.
Mitsotakis criticized the rationale behind the tariffs on olive oil, olives and feta cheese, which “make no sense,” because these products are not domestically produced in the United States.
The Greek Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of prioritizing Europe’s single market and expanding Greece’s global trade partnerships. “The economic relations we are developing with commercial powers such as India are becoming more important at a time when the Greek economy must more systematically pursue the entry of Greek products into other markets,” he said.
Addressing the broader climate of uncertainty, Mitsotakis also reaffirmed his government’s focus on fiscal stability and accelerated reforms in Greece, which are now “more important than ever.”
