ATHENS – Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wants European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – a friend and political ally – to give Greece a key European Union position, especially one overseeing Mediterranean issues.

“I would certainly like a portfolio that highlights on the one hand the progress that Greece has made economically, but also Greece’s sort of strategic position at the southeastern flank of Europe and of NATO,” Mitsotakis told Politico.

https://www.politico.eu/article/greece-role-eu-commission-pm-kyriakos-mitsotakis-ursula-von-der-leyen-top-job/

That was at the Premier’s office in the Maximos Mansion where – asked about the Mediterranean Commission post – he said: “I am not saying that, but I am saying that there are other portfolios that could fit that bill. I certainly think that it is a good idea to have a commissioner for the Mediterranean.”

“I presume that eventually it will be a Mediterranean country. I’m not raising my hand because there are other portfolios that could be extremely interesting to us and at the end of the day it’s a call made by the President,” he said.

Mitsotakis hasn’t yet announced Greece’s choice for the next Commission. The current Greek commissioner, Margaritas Schinas – from his ruling New Democracy – told Brussels Playbook earlier he wants to stay on the commission.

Schinas is a commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Promoting our European Way of Life and had been the spokesperson for the commission but the site said also under consideration by Mitsotakis are Central Macedonia Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Labor Minister Niki Kerameus.

The 27 EU countries are sending candidates names to Von der Leyen who must take into account in her appointments balances for gender, political parties and geography. Her party and Mitsotakis’ are members of the European People’s Party.

While Mitsotakis and the Conservatives easily won 2023 elections in a second straight rout that shook up the major rival SYRIZA, New Democracy candidates in European Parliament elections in June had disappointing showings.

“It’s up to my colleagues to judge who actually makes valuable contributions,” he said. “So again, I always try to add value, not just speak on behalf of Greece, as I must, but also try to look at the broader landscape and try to take decisions that also strengthen Europe. So that’s how I see my role.”