Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has delivered a forceful message to Ankara, declaring that Greece will not accept instructions from anyone over how it strengthens its national defence.
Speaking after talks with European Council President António Costa at the Maximos Mansion in Athens on Thursday, Mitsotakis highlighted what he described as a recent escalation of Turkish provocations, particularly in the Aegean.
The Greek Prime Minister also made clear that Turkey’s ambitions for closer relations with the European Union must be accompanied by respect for international law and good neighbourly relations with Greece.
Mitsotakis puts Turkey’s threats on the European agenda
Mitsotakis told Costa that Greece faces an ongoing threat of war and continued challenges to its sovereignty from Turkey.
“There is an active threat of war and a challenge to Greek sovereignty by a country which expects to improve its relations with the European Union,” Mitsotakis said.
He argued that Turkey’s European path cannot be separated from its relationship with Greece.
“Turkey’s European perspective cannot but go hand in hand with building good neighbourly relations,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the importance of the EU’s SAFE defence programme and its requirement that the security interests of EU member states are not undermined.
Mitsotakis was unequivocal about Greece’s right to determine its own defence priorities.
“Greece is a peaceful country and does not pose a threat to anyone. It will not, however, accept suggestions from anyone about how it should strengthen its defence,” he said.
The remarks come amid a renewed period of tension between Athens and Ankara, with disputes over the Aegean, maritime zones and other issues continuing to dominate Greek Turkish relations.
Costa: EU will protect the interests of its member states
Costa said the European Union has a strategic interest in maintaining a stable and secure Eastern Mediterranean.
He confirmed that Mitsotakis had briefed him on the latest developments between Greece and Turkey.
The European Council president said Brussels wants to develop a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, but stressed that Ankara’s constructive participation is essential.
“Whatever happens, the European Union’s priority will always be to protect the interests of its member states,” Costa said.
His comments provide an important backdrop to Greece’s position that any deeper EU Turkey relationship must take into account the security concerns of member states, particularly Greece and Cyprus.
Greece prepares for EU presidency
Mitsotakis also highlighted Greece’s preparations to assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2027.
He said Athens intends to use the presidency to contribute to Europe’s common priorities at a time of major geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The discussions with Costa also focused heavily on the EU’s next long term budget for 2028 to 2034.
Mitsotakis argued that Europe needs a more ambitious budget capable of supporting defence, economic competitiveness, cohesion, agriculture and new strategic priorities.
“We cannot achieve more by spending less,” he said.
He also called for stronger European action on energy prices, warning that European businesses and households continue to pay more for energy than competitors in other parts of the world.
Defence and European security take centre stage
Mitsotakis said Europe must strengthen its ability to protect itself against threats from all directions.
He described defence as a common European public good and argued that new European financing mechanisms could potentially be used to support defence capabilities.
The Greek Prime Minister also welcomed the SAFE initiative but said Europe needs to go further.
He stressed that Greece would carefully examine who participates in European defence initiatives, particularly where the security interests of EU member states are concerned.
Migration and the Middle East
Migration was another major issue discussed during the meeting.
Mitsotakis referred to recent developments in Ceuta as another example of the potential weaponisation of migration flows.
He recalled Greece’s experience during the 2020 crisis at the Evros border and called for closer cooperation with third countries, alongside more effective returns of people who do not qualify for asylum.
He also called for greater unity among southern European states and said Europe should explore new arrangements with third countries to prevent human traffickers from determining who enters Europe.
The leaders also discussed the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s support for Ukraine and said Europe must have a seat at the table when negotiations eventually take place.
He also stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and the protection of commercial shipping, particularly given the strategic importance of maritime routes to Europe’s food and energy security.
Mitsotakis pointed to Greece’s participation in the EU’s Aspides operation as an example of Europe’s ability to project an autonomous presence in strategically important regions.
EU Gulf summit planned for October
Costa said instability in the Middle East has direct consequences for European security, migration and energy supplies.
He thanked Greece for its active role in strengthening ties with Gulf partners.
The European Union is scheduled to hold a summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries on October 24, as Brussels seeks to deepen strategic relations across the region.
The Athens meeting ultimately reinforced Greece’s position that its defence policy remains a sovereign national decision, while placing its concerns over Turkey firmly within the wider European security debate.
For Athens, the message was clear: closer European engagement with Turkey cannot come at the expense of Greek sovereignty, security or international law.
