Dendias:“Greece’s defence spending is not a choice but necessity”–Push for stronger European security

Greek Defence Minister calls for a shift from “strategic complacency” to European defence readiness and urges activation of EU mutual defence clause.

Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias held a series of bilateral meetings in Austria while also addressing an international security forum focused on the future of Europe’s defence architecture, delivering a clear message on the need for deeper European military integration.

He spoke at the Europa-Forum Wachau ’26, held at the University of Krems near Vienna, under the theme “European Security Architecture: From the End of Order to Joint Initiative.”

“EUROPE MUST MOVE INTO AN ERA OF DEFENCE READINESS”

In his address, Dendias argued that Europe is entering a critical strategic turning point, calling on EU member states to abandon what he described as an era of complacency.

He stressed that Europe must transition:

• from an era of “strategic complacency”
• to an era of “defence readiness and vigilance”

He also called for stronger coordination in building a common European defence industrial base, arguing that fragmented national efforts are no longer sufficient in the current geopolitical environment.

GREECE POSITIONED AS A MAJOR MILITARY POWER

Dendias highlighted Greece’s military capabilities, stating that:

• the Hellenic Air Force is among the strongest in Europe
• the Hellenic Navy is one of the most capable naval forces in the EU
• Greece is actively modernising its armed forces through new technologies and upgraded command structures

His remarks reflect Athens’ broader effort to position itself as a key security provider in the Eastern Mediterranean and a reliable pillar within both the EU and NATO frameworks.

CALL FOR STRONGER EUROPEAN DEFENCE COOPERATION

A central theme of the speech was the need to deepen European defence integration.

Dendias called for:

• stronger European defence industry coordination
• joint development of military capabilities
• and closer operational cooperation among EU member states

The proposal aligns with ongoing EU discussions on strategic autonomy and reducing dependency on external security actors.

ARTICLE 42(7): PUSH FOR EU MUTUAL DEFENCE CLAUSE

One of the most notable points of the intervention was Dendias’ call for the full activation of Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union, the EU’s mutual defence clause.

He argued that Europe must move beyond symbolic solidarity and toward concrete operational commitments, emphasizing:

• binding mutual defence obligations
• shared response mechanisms to security threats
• and a more unified European security framework

The reference is politically significant, as Article 42(7) has been invoked only once in EU history, following the Paris attacks in 2015.

WIDER GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT

The speech comes amid a broader reassessment of European security policy driven by:

• the ongoing war in Ukraine
• heightened instability in the Middle East
• and increasing debate over Europe’s strategic autonomy

Within this environment, Dendias’ remarks reflect a growing argument within parts of the EU that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own defence capabilities.

Source: pagenews.gr