Shock in Defense: EU REJECTS Greece’s €2.9 Billion SAFE Plan!

Greece sees its €2.9 billion SAFE defense investment plan rejected by the EU, triggering a geopolitical and political shockwave. MP Michalis Katrinis calls the move evidence of sloppiness and ineffectiveness by the Ministry of National Defense, demanding full parliamentary oversight.

The rejection of the Greek SAFE plan represents a serious blow to the country’s deterrence capabilities. The program, designed to fund weapons, infrastructure, and advanced defense systems, was rejected by the EU due to sloppy planning and lack of transparency in both documentation and parliamentary reporting.

Michalis Katrinis stated:“The EU’s rejection of the €2.9 billion investment plan constitutes a negative development and demonstrates the sloppiness and inefficiency with which the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defense operates.”

SAFE, which aimed at modernizing the Hellenic Armed Forces in response to challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond, now leaves gaps in Greece’s strategic deterrence posture.

“Despite repeated calls from PASOK to ensure the Defense Committee and the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee were fully informed, procedures were bypassed,” Katrinis emphasized, highlighting that the government used fast-track procedures, bypassing full parliamentary scrutiny.

The rejection triggers political turbulence, as strengthening national defense requires transparency, consensus, and parliamentary oversight. As Katrinis added: “Strengthening the country’s deterrence requires unity, solidarity, and consensus. Above all, it demands transparency and respect for parliamentary and EU procedures, something the political leadership of the MoD continuously underestimates.”

Furthermore, the EU’s decision creates fiscal and strategic uncertainty, as the €2.9 billion was intended for defense investments without excessive strain on the national budget. Greece must now completely revise the SAFE plan, enhance its criteria, and comply with EU transparency standards.

“The hasty handling of the €1.355 billion defense programs last week underscores the need for full disclosure and transparency,” Katrinis added, warning of geopolitical risks from delays in strengthening the Armed Forces.

Greece is currently in a sensitive geopolitical position, with Turkey and other regional actors closely monitoring every move. The EU’s rejection highlights the need for a fully documented and transparent SAFE plan, one capable of gaining approval and funding.

The SAFE rejection is a geopolitical and political alarm bell. Greece needs strategic rigor, full transparency, and parliamentary oversight to safeguard its deterrence capabilities. The government’s next steps will determine not only the future of SAFE but also Greece’s position on the Eastern Mediterranean security map.