Greece Rules Out Turkey Joining EU’s SAFE Initiative

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis talking astir the SAFE Initiative. Credit: Dimitris Papamitsos / AMNA

During associated statements astatine the Maximos Mansion with European Council President António Costa, Greece sent a wide connection done the SAFE Initiative: countries that endanger EU subordinate states cannot participate. Moreover, the inaugural underscores Europe’s committedness to information and determination stability.

Indirectly referring to Turkey, the Greek Prime Minister stressed that specified countries indispensable found good-neighborly relations with Europe portion upholding its halfway principles. In addition, information successful the SAFE Initiative depends connected respecting these cardinal European values.

Strategic Position and Defense Industry Opportunities

Greece highlighted its strategical determination arsenic a span betwixt Europe and the Middle East, and described the defence manufacture arsenic “a large opportunity” for occupation creation.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister backed the instauration of a communal European backing mechanics to enactment investments successful cardinal defence capabilities.

As a result, Europe tin coordinate much efficaciously connected information matters portion boosting economical opportunities.

European Council Backs Joint Defense Funding

President Costa agreed that shared financing is indispensable to fortify European defense. “The SAFE programme is an important step, but much is needed.

It’s not conscionable astir spending more, but spending smarter,” helium said. Therefore, EU members indispensable absorption connected ratio and impact, not lone connected the size of their budgets.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (right) and European Council President Antonio Costa (left). Credit: Dimitris Papamitsos / AMNA

Sovereignty and Regional Security

The Greek Prime Minister praised Poland for defending the EU’s eastbound borders against violations of its airspace. He added that Europe indispensable stay steadfast against revisionism: “No usurpation of our sovereignty oregon sovereign rights tin beryllium tolerated.”

Consequently, the SAFE Initiative reinforces the rule that European information cannot beryllium compromised.

Focus connected Ukraine and the Middle East

On Ukraine, Greece emphasized enactment for EU–US coordination to extremity the warfare done bid talks. Importantly, immoderate solution indispensable respect planetary law, borders, and Ukraine’s beardown deterrent capabilities.

Regarding the Middle East, Greece expressed interest implicit violations of Qatar’s sovereignty and underscored its committedness to ceasefire negotiations. At the aforesaid time, the state provides humanitarian assistance to civilians successful Gaza and advocates avoiding further escalation.