Despite the objections of Türkiye, Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) It is moving towards participating in European Union (EU) defense programs. This underlines the urgency of strengthening the EU’s defence capabilities, while also dovetailing with the bloc’s efforts to increase its regional influence. According to Greek media, the final decision will be made by a consensus rather than a to be taken by qualified majority vote, weakens the “veto” power of Athens and Nicosia on this issue.
Reactions and Concerns from Greece
On Tuesday, May 20, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias made a veiled reference to Türkiye in his statement before the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, saying: “We cannot defend Europe if the enemy is inside the walls” The Greek newspaper Kathimerini, on the other hand, stated that Türkiye’s inclusion in EU defense initiatives “comes as no surprise.” The newspaper reported that in recent months, many levels, from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, have conveyed to Athens the EU’s intention to cooperate with Turkey on defense issues.
Strategic Realities and the EU's Perspective
According to Kathimerini, for almost all EU member states, except Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration, it does not make sense to exclude a member with the second largest army in NATO. Especially at a time when the bloc is seeking greater influence in Ukraine and the Middle East, leaving a significant military power like Turkey out contradicts the EU's strategic interests. This is seen as a reflection of the EU's need to increase its security and defense capabilities.
Athens' Diplomatic Struggle
The Greek government has been spurred into action by Athens’ resistance to Türkiye’s accession, which has also been met in Brussels. Greece has mobilised its ambassadors in EU capitals, instructing them to convey their concerns to the Foreign and Defence Ministries in partner countries and to emphasise that decisions should be taken by consensus rather than a qualified majority. In this context, Article 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)What is referred to? This article regulates bilateral and future agreements between the EU and candidate countries. However, the fact that the selection of proposals involving third countries will be made by a qualified majority limits Athens’ “maneuvering” space and leaves Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration only fragile and fluid alliances within the EU on this issue.
Continuation of the Process
The final text of the relevant agreement is expected to be announced on Wednesday, May 21, while negotiations could continue for a few more days before the General Affairs Council on May 27, where formal acceptance is expected. This process could be a significant turning point in the EU’s security and defense policy and open new doors for Türkiye’s integration into the bloc’s defense architecture.
