Greece vows to block Türkiye’s access to EU defence fund

Greece has warned that it may block Türkiye’s access to a European Union defence fund unless Ankara guarantees that weapons acquired through the program will not be used against Athens.

Türkiye, a NATO member but not part of the EU, is technically eligible to participate in the EU’s €150 billion ($176 billion) Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, which aims to boost European defence capabilities through joint procurement and industry financingş However, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece would oppose Türkiye’s involvement if Ankara continues to threaten war and challenge Greece’s sovereignty in the Aegean, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

“Greece will not allow it,” Mitsotakis told media.

Türkie has historically threatened military action should Greece unilaterally expand its territorial waters in the region, a dispute that has fueled diplomatic strains for decades. Mitsotakis also noted that any access Türkie gains to the SAFE fund would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. “Unanimity is required,” he stated.

His remarks came shortly after Germany approved the sale of Eurofighter jets to Türkie, a deal that had been stalled due to political disagreements. Türkiye and Britain’s defence ministers signed a preliminary agreement in Istanbul for the delivery of 40 Typhoon jets, produced by a multinational consortium including Germany, Britain, Italy, and Spain.

While Greece cannot directly block the Eurofighter deal, Mitsotakis said it could impose conditions. “Türkiye is a large country with a strong defence industry. And if someone believes they can block any purchase of defence equipment by Türkiye, they are quite ignorant. It has never happened. It cannot happen,” he explained. “What can happen, however, is that we make our European allies aware that there will be contingencies and conditions regarding the way these aircraft will be delivered, potentially used and supported in the future.”

The SAFE program is part of the EU’s broader effort to raise up to €800 billion to strengthen defence and reduce dependence on NATO and the United States. It also allows participation from partner countries, including Türkiye, contingent on member state approval.

By Vafa Guliyeva