Greece warns Turkey over EU defense fund amid rising tensions

Thursday 24 July 2025 - 14:00

Greece has issued a strong warning to Turkey, threatening to veto its access to a European defense fund if Ankara does not ensure that EU-backed weapons will not be used against Greek interests. The warning follows Germany’s recent decision to lift its veto on the sale of Eurofighter jets to Turkey.

Speaking on Greek television on July 23, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that Greece would block Turkey’s participation in the European SAFE program—a €150 billion initiative aimed at boosting the continent’s defense capabilities—if Turkey continues to challenge Greek sovereignty in the Aegean Sea.

"Unanimity is required within the EU for a third country to join the SAFE program. Greece will not allow participation from any country that threatens its national interests," Mitsotakis emphasized.

Though both countries are NATO allies, tensions between Greece and Turkey remain high due to longstanding disputes over maritime borders, energy exploration rights, and migration control in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey, as a candidate for EU membership, is technically eligible to join the SAFE program, which allows non-EU states with security cooperation agreements to receive funding for joint defense projects. The fund is designed to enhance European autonomy and reduce dependency on NATO and the United States.

The Greek warning also comes in reaction to Berlin's green light for the sale of 40 Eurofighter jets to Ankara, a deal that had been stalled due to Germany’s concerns over Turkey’s position on the Gaza conflict. Following the approval, Turkish and British defense ministers signed a preliminary agreement in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Although Greece is not part of the Eurofighter consortium and cannot block the transaction directly, Athens hopes to influence its European partners to impose usage conditions.

"Turkey is a major country with a strong defense industry," said Mitsotakis. "While we cannot stop the sale itself, we will ensure that Europe sets clear criteria on how these arms are used. I believe we will succeed in this effort."