Greece Under the French “Security Umbrella” in the Eastern Mediterranean

In a time of geopolitical volatility, France reaffirms its firm commitment to Greece, assuming the role of a guarantor of security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

French diplomatic sources emphasize that Paris remains steadfastly aligned with Athens — both on defense and in critical energy cooperation initiatives.

“France is a guarantor power in the Mediterranean – you can rely on us,” sources note, amid increasing concerns over Greek-Turkish tensions and discussions surrounding Turkey’s potential involvement in the European defense initiative SAFE (Strategic Armament for Europe).

Turkey and SAFE: Greece Leads a Triple Veto

Turkey’s hopes of joining the SAFE defense initiative appear blocked — for now — due to opposition from three countries: Greece, Cyprus, and France.

• “No country will join without firm security guarantees. This principle will not change,” French diplomatic sources stress.
• Participation in SAFE requires unanimous approval, which Turkey currently lacks.

In contrast, countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada have already begun relevant negotiations without facing the same geopolitical objections.

The Greece–France Defense Pact: A Strategic Buffer Against Ankara

The Greece–France Strategic Defense Agreement, signed in 2021, continues to be a cornerstone of bilateral defense cooperation, with a clause of mutual defense assistance in the event of aggression.

“France will honor its commitments. We are here to protect the interests of both Greece and the European Union,” French sources affirm — sending a strong message of deterrence toward Ankara.

France Backs Greece in Key Energy Interconnection Project

France’s support for Greece also extends into the energy sector, particularly the strategic Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) — the undersea electricity cable linking Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.

“The GSI is of critical importance for both the EU and France. A French company is involved in the project, which is being funded by the European Union. We stood with Greece in 2020, and we will continue to do so,”sources say.

The project not only strengthens Greece’s energy security but also elevates its status as a geopolitical hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

A Message to Israel: “No Sanctions Against France”

On the issue of potential Israeli backlash following President Emmanuel Macron’s openness to recognizing the Palestinian state, French diplomatic officials remain confident:

“Israel will not – and cannot – take any action against France,” they assert.

France continues to pursue a multidimensional foreign policy, grounded in international law, EU strategic interests, and regional stability — with Greece as a key partner.

Greece is increasingly asserting itself at the heart of Europe’s defense and energy strategies — with France standing firmly by its side. From a clear veto against Turkey in the SAFE initiative, to supporting energy connectivity projects like the GSI, Athens is reinforcing its strategic importance in the region through its deepening alliance with Paris.

Source: pagenews.gr