Greece has warned it may block Turkey’s access to a European Union defense funding program unless Ankara provides assurances that its weapons will not be used to target Athens.
Tensions between the two neighbors—EU member Greece and NATO member Turkey—have persisted for decades over sovereignty rights in the Aegean Sea. Recent disputes have also emerged over energy exploration and migration.
Although Turkey is not an EU member, it is eligible to participate in EU defense industry programs and joint procurement initiatives under the EU’s Security and Defense Action Plan, a scheme valued at €150 billion.
However, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that Greece would not permit Turkish participation if Ankara continues to threaten war and undermine Greek sovereignty in the Aegean Sea.
“Greece will not allow this,” Mitsotakis said in an interview with Skai TV.
Turkey has repeatedly issued threats of military action if Greece unilaterally expands its presence in Aegean waters.
Mitsotakis emphasized that Turkey’s access to EU defense funds would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.
“Unanimity is required,” he said.
His comments came shortly after Germany announced its approval for the sale of Eurofighter jets to Turkey. Turkey has been in negotiations for years to purchase 40 Eurofighter aircraft, which are jointly produced by Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain.
