Mitsotakis warns Turkey: European defence funds cannot come without conditions

Stay connected to Greek City Times for Free on Google News
Click NOW

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has delivered a clear warning over Turkey’s potential participation in European defence programmes, insisting that access to EU-funded security initiatives cannot come at the expense of the security interests of member states.

Speaking after meeting Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda at the Maximos Mansion in Athens on Monday, Mitsotakis said countries seeking access to programmes such as the European SAFE defence initiative must first respect the security concerns of EU member states.

“Participation in programmes supported by European funds cannot be unconditional,” Mitsotakis said.

“To join SAFE or corresponding European arrangements, one must first respect the security interests of the member states without asterisks.”

The remarks come as Turkey seeks greater involvement in European defence cooperation and amid continuing debate over Ankara’s potential participation in SAFE.

Greece has repeatedly argued that any agreement involving a third country must safeguard the security interests of EU member states. Mitsotakis has previously said that the SAFE framework contains conditions that can prevent Turkey from participating unless the necessary agreements and safeguards are in place.

Mitsotakis calls for European flexibility

The Greek prime minister also called for greater flexibility in European fiscal rules, particularly as governments face pressure from higher energy-related costs.

“We need a well-considered European flexibility so that states can support households and businesses by taking advantage of the additional fiscal space,” Mitsotakis said.

He said Greece had already raised the issue with the European Commission and called for an “immediate and bold European response.”

Mitsotakis also suggested that additional VAT revenue generated by energy-driven inflation could potentially be used for temporary and targeted support measures without undermining Greece’s fiscal stability.

However, he stressed that fiscal discipline remains non-negotiable.

“I have a full sense that there is a global crisis in the bond market right now,” he said, adding that Greece would not jeopardise the restoration of confidence in its public finances.

Greece and Lithuania align ahead of 2027 EU Presidency

The meeting with Nausėda also focused on Greece’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027.

Mitsotakis said Greece and Lithuania were aligned on many of the EU’s key priorities and described the two countries’ close relationship within the European Council as an advantage.

Greece has already begun preparations for its 2027 presidency, which Athens views as an opportunity to advance priorities including European competitiveness, security and strategic autonomy.

Additional support for Greek fishermen

Mitsotakis also addressed pressure facing Greek fishermen, saying the government was examining additional financial support.

“We will stand alongside society and all the groups that are being tested,” he said, adding that the government was working on ways to provide fishermen with additional assistance.

He cautioned, however, that the government’s financial options remain limited.

The comments come as Greece prepares for a particularly significant period in European security policy, with defence spending, European defence funding and the role of third countries such as Turkey increasingly at the centre of EU discussions.

With Athens continuing to press for safeguards over Turkey’s access to European defence programmes, Mitsotakis made clear that Greece wants European security funding to come with conditions designed to protect the interests of EU member states.

Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.