Strategic Message to Ankara
From the EU Summit in Brussels, Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered a firm and unmistakable message to Turkey, excluding it from participation in the European SAFE program as long as Ankara maintains a casus belli and challenges the sovereignty of Greek islands.
“There is no need to repeat that as long as Turkey has an outstanding casus belli against Greece, and as long as the sovereignty of Greek islands is challenged, we obviously cannot agree to such participation,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
This stance shifts the dispute from bilateral to European level, establishing preconditions for European security.
SAFE and European Defense
The SAFE program (Security and Advanced Framework for Europe) is a strategic initiative for joint European defense procurement and cooperation.
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Mitsotakis highlighted that Greece, together with Poland, has proposed the European missile defense shield and measures to protect EU borders from drones and asymmetric threats, describing these as emblematic projects and “national and European priorities.”“We have already made significant steps in common European defense policy by incorporating national escape clauses and promoting the SAFE program,” he stated.
Geopolitical Analysis: From the Aegean to Europe
Mitsotakis’ statement is more than technical or rhetorical. It represents a strategic message: Greece links its national interests to the core of European security policy.
Excluding Turkey from SAFE acts as a diplomatic barrier, enhancing Greece’s negotiating leverage and sending a clear message: European security requires respect for sovereignty and international law.“I wish Turkey would change its stance on the casus belli,” he said, “but I do not see it happening in the near future.”
Eastern Mediterranean and International Law
The Prime Minister reiterated that any cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean must adhere to International Law and the Law of the Sea.“Uncompromising respect for International Law is a basic condition for the success of any initiative in the region,” he stressed.
Greece declares readiness for multilateral cooperation, provided there is a clear framework of rules and transparency, reinforcing its role as a stability pillar in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Domestic Agenda: Housing and Energy Transition
Simultaneously, Mitsotakis raised issues of domestic policy with European dimension, including housing and the energy transition.
On housing, he presented the rent refund plan and requested the EU to create a database of best practices from other countries.
On energy, he emphasized that Greece pursues a realistic yet ambitious green transition, without compromising competitiveness or social cohesion:“We must not impose an unbearable cost on sectors such as shipping or aviation without a viable technological solution.”
Greece Sets Terms in Europe
Mitsotakis’ intervention reflects a coherent strategy: Greece as a force of stability and a pillar of European security.
Excluding Turkey from SAFE is the strongest geopolitical statement of the summit: Greece sets the terms of participation, respect for sovereignty, and international law.“As long as Ankara challenges Greek islands, it will have no place in European strategic frameworks.”
Through this stance, Athens positions itself not as reactive, but as proactive, holding a strong card in the European security chessboard.
Source: pagenews.gr