Kurdistan Center
for Democracy in the Middle East
Khoyboun Flag
About us
www.kcdme.com
Greece pledges to block Turkiye from EU defense program over war threat
Ankara's decades-long threat opposes Greek expansion in the Aegean waters
12.08.2025
News Desk
Source:https://thecradle.co/articles/greece-pledges-to-block-turkiye-from-eu-defense-program-over-war-threat
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has vowed to block Turkiye’s participation in the European Union’s SAFE defense program unless Ankara revokes its official declaration of war against Athens, Greek state media reported on 12 September.
“We will not accept a country that threatens war on an EU member state,” a Greek official told state broadcaster ERT.
Mitsotakis reiterated that position, stressing that “unanimity is required” for Turkiye to gain access to SAFE funds.
The threat refers to a long-standing casus belli adopted by the Turkish parliament, threatening military action if Greece extends its territorial waters in the Aegean Sea.
The casus belli is not a formal declaration of war but a standing parliamentary authorization dating back to 1995.
Mitsotakis said Turkiye’s inclusion in the program would only be possible if that declaration were formally withdrawn.
Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis backed the stance, while an EU Commission spokesperson, Thomas Renier, confirmed that safeguards exist within the regulation to protect the security interests of any member state.
Although Athens cannot veto the program itself, it can block the bilateral agreement required between Brussels and Ankara.
Mitsotakis said late on Wednesday that Greece would not allow Turkiye to use SAFE funds to question its sovereignty in the Aegean Sea.
“Greece will not allow it,” he told Skai TV, adding that while Athens could block Turkiye’s access to SAFE funds, it could not stop the Eurofighter purchase.
That deal advanced after Germany lifted its opposition, with all four consortium partners signaling support. Following Berlin’s approval, the Turkish and British defense ministers signed a preliminary agreement in Istanbul for the delivery of 40 jets.
Mitsotakis said Athens would press European allies to attach contingencies, telling Skai TV that “we make our European allies aware that there will be contingencies and conditions regarding the way these aircraft will be delivered, potentially used, and supported in the future.”
SAFE is a $176-billion financing initiative aimed at strengthening the European defense industry and reducing reliance on NATO and the US.
The scheme can extend to non-EU states with defense partnerships, including Turkiye.
Ankara's decades-
12.08.2025
News Desk
Source:https://thecradle.co/articles/greece-
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has vowed to block Turkiye’s participation in the European Union’s SAFE defense program unless Ankara revokes its official declaration of war against Athens, Greek state media reported on 12 September.
“We will not accept a country that threatens war on an EU member state,” a Greek official told state broadcaster ERT.
Mitsotakis reiterated that position, stressing that “unanimity is required” for Turkiye to gain access to SAFE funds.
The threat refers to a long-
Mitsotakis said Turkiye’s inclusion in the program would only be possible if that declaration were formally withdrawn.
Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis backed the stance, while an EU Commission spokesperson, Thomas Renier, confirmed that safeguards exist within the regulation to protect the security interests of any member state.
Although Athens cannot veto the program itself, it can block the bilateral agreement required between Brussels and Ankara.
Mitsotakis said late on Wednesday that Greece would not allow Turkiye to use SAFE funds to question its sovereignty in the Aegean Sea.
“Greece will not allow it,” he told Skai TV, adding that while Athens could block Turkiye’s access to SAFE funds, it could not stop the Eurofighter purchase.
That deal advanced after Germany lifted its opposition, with all four consortium partners signaling support. Following Berlin’s approval, the Turkish and British defense ministers signed a preliminary agreement in Istanbul for the delivery of 40 jets.
Mitsotakis said Athens would press European allies to attach contingencies, telling Skai TV that “we make our European allies aware that there will be contingencies and conditions regarding the way these aircraft will be delivered, potentially used, and supported in the future.”
SAFE is a $176-
The scheme can extend to non-