Tag: European security

Von der Leyen to Europe: Take Responsibility for Your Own Security Amid Shifting Transatlantic Ties

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told MEPs: “Europe must be responsible for its own security. This is no longer an option. It is a must.” In a clear rebuke to U.S. critiques of Europe’s declining global influence, she asserted that Europe cannot let others define its worldview, as the bloc pushes for greater independence amid evolving transatlantic ties and ongoing support for Ukraine.

Greek Recovery Shows Southern Europe Outpacing the North, Says PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says Europe has not been formally briefed on reported US–Russia peace talks over Ukraine, warning that any plan requiring Kyiv to give up territory is unacceptable. Speaking at the New Economy Forum, he also highlighted Greece’s balanced stance between Washington and Beijing and noted that southern Europe is now outperforming northern economic leaders such as Germany and France.

Ankara’s Win-Win with London, Berlin, Rome: But Athens Says ‘Not Without Concessions’

Turkey’s €9.2 billion Eurofighter deal with a UK-led European consortium marks a strategic comeback for Ankara, sidelined from the F-35 program over Russian S-400s. While bolstering its air force amid bilateral pacts with Spain and Italy, Turkey eyes French Meteor missiles to close the gap with Greece’s Rafales. Athens, leveraging veto power in the EU’s SAFE fund, insists: no casus belli withdrawal, no full integration. As Professor Panayotis Tsakonas notes, Turkey is “hard to live with, but impossible to live without.”

Greece Joins UN Security Council Emergency Meeting on Russian Airspace Violation in Estonia

Greece will join an emergency UN Security Council meeting on September 22 to address Russia’s recent violation of Estonian airspace. Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis will represent Greece as the Council reviews the incident, described by Estonia as a “dangerous escalation,” with NATO forces escorting the Russian jets out of the Baltic airspace.

Mitsotakis to Attend EPP Congress in Valencia Amid Strategic Debates on Europe's Future

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is heading to Valencia to attend the European People’s Party congress, where the centre-right will elect new leadership and set its strategy ahead of the June European elections. Key discussions will focus on EU defence, competitiveness, and democratic resilience, with Mitsotakis expected to hold bilateral meetings with several European leaders.

Imamoglu Urges Germany to Lift Eurofighter Veto: "Turkey Is More Than Erdogan"

From his prison cell in Silivri, Istanbul’s jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has urged Germany to lift its veto on the sale of Eurofighter jets to Turkey. In a bold statement, he declared, “Turkey is not just Erdogan. Turkey is bigger than Erdogan,” appealing to Germany’s incoming government to prioritize Turkey’s national interests over concerns about President Erdogan’s authoritarian rule.

Erdogan Pledges to Maintain Positive Ties with Greece, Stresses Turkey’s Role in European Security

In a speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 11, 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to fostering positive relations with Greece and ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean. Highlighting Turkey’s pivotal role in European security, he called for accelerated EU membership and greater recognition of Turkish Cypriot rights, while urging the EU to overcome internal hesitations and embrace Turkey as a full partner.

Dendias in Belgium: Europe Must Rethink Defence and Build Strategic Autonomy

During a keynote address at the College of Europe in Bruges, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias urged the European Union to radically shift its approach to defense, calling for investment in a unified defense industry and strategic autonomy. Highlighting Europe’s lag in critical technologies like drones and stealth aircraft, Dendias stressed the need for long-term planning, innovation, and closer coordination within the EU to meet evolving security challenges.

Challenge from Fidan: Greece and Cyprus will pay dearly for supporting Israel

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Attend NATO Meeting on European Security and Ukraine

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a NATO meeting in Brussels on April 3-4, 2025, to discuss European security, Ukraine, and collective defense, following talks in Paris with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The meeting marks the first consultation with the new US administration and includes sessions with Asia-Pacific partners and the NATO-Ukraine Council.

Mitsotakis to Call for Stronger EU Defence at European Council Summit

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will advocate for stronger EU defence capabilities at the extraordinary European Council Summit, emphasizing the need for a unified European stance on security and Ukraine. He will push for increased defence investments, equal treatment in EU military spending policies, and closer transatlantic cooperation with the US. With geopolitical tensions rising, Mitsotakis aims to position European strategic autonomy as a top priority for the bloc’s future stability.

Greece Greek Ukraine Ukrainian flags

Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Long-lasting Peace in Ukraine

On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for an immediate ceasefire and a just, lasting peace, expressing sorrow for the lives lost and acknowledging the struggles of the Greek diaspora in affected regions. The statement reinforced Greece’s commitment to international law and condemned any aggression against sovereign nations.

Defence Minister Dendias Visits UAE to Inspect Frigate Hydra in Operation Aspides

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias visited the frigate Hydra in the UAE as part of its role in Operation Aspides. Calling the mission a symbol of national and European significance, he highlighted Greece’s strategic role in security and stability. The operation reinforces maritime security in key regions, with Greece actively contributing to regional and international stability.

Mitsotakis Urges Europe to Take Geopolitical Responsibility and Strengthen Defence Capabilities

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for Europe to take greater responsibility in its defense policies, advocating for more autonomy and a €100 billion defense fund during the informal European Council in Brussels. Meanwhile, he urged calm among Santorini residents, as seismic activity in the region raised concerns, promising a detailed scientific update on the situation.

Mitsotakis Responds to Criticism: Emphasizes Greece's Steadfast Stance on Turkey Relations and EU Security

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed skepticism about the potential for progress in Greece-Turkey disputes over the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. Addressing criticisms, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s firm stance and criticized attempts to portray his administration as less patriotic. He highlighted recent developments in Greek-Turkish relations and urged caution in interpreting Turkey’s regional influence. Additionally, he defended Europe’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict and emphasized the need for collective security in response to shifting dynamics.

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