EU Pushes for Turkey’s Inclusion in SAFE Program Amid Greek Resistance

EU Urgency as SAFE Deadline Approaches

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, visiting Athens on Monday, is expected to renew pressure on Greece to lift its objections to Turkey’s participation in SAFE. The urgency stems from the looming deadline of November 30 for countries wishing to access SAFE loans, which aim to boost European defense capabilities.

On the sidelines of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Copenhagen, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The central topic was the potential unblocking of Turkey’s involvement in SAFE.

Greece Stands Firm on Aegean Concerns

Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s position: Turkey cannot join SAFE unless it abandons threats of war over potential Greek expansions of territorial waters and renounces its “gray zones” claims disputing Greek sovereignty over certain islands and islets.

While Cyprus and France align with Greece’s objections, most EU members favor Turkey’s inclusion, recognizing the strategic value of NATO’s second-largest army and its robust defense industry. Many see Turkey as a necessary industrial partner for Europe, particularly in defense projects that require both production capabilities and operational engagement.

Diverging European Views

Several Eastern European countries have expressed concerns regarding Turkey’s nuanced stance on Ukraine and its cooperative relationship with Russia. Nonetheless, these nations acknowledge that Europe currently benefits from Turkey’s defense manufacturing capacity and willingness to participate in joint military operations if needed.

Meanwhile, Greece’s hesitation to share its aging Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets with other EU members—who could, in turn, support Ukraine—has caused friction with some Eastern European allies and EU partners. Scandinavian countries, particularly Finland and Sweden, also view Turkey favorably in the SAFE context, despite recent challenges Turkey posed during their NATO membership applications.

Strategic Balance in the Aegean and Europe

The debate underscores a broader tension between national security concerns and collective European defense interests. Greece seeks guarantees that its sovereignty and territorial claims will not be undermined, while the EU emphasizes industrial collaboration and operational readiness in the defense sector. The coming weeks are expected to determine whether Greece will maintain its veto threat or agree to Turkey’s SAFE participation under specific conditions.

Source: pagenews.gr