Greek press: Turkey Set to Join EU Defense Programs Despite Greek, Cypriot Opposition

Brussels – Turkey is poised to take part in several European Union defense initiatives, in a move that is progressing despite vocal objections from Greece and Cyprus. The final decision, expected to be made through qualified majority voting rather than unanimous consent, marks a strategic shift in EU defense collaboration.

Greece Raises Alarm Over Turkish Inclusion

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias expressed strong disapproval ahead of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Tuesday. While not naming Turkey directly, Dendias warned, “We cannot defend Europe if the enemy is within its walls,” signaling Athens’ frustration over Ankara’s potential involvement.

Germany and Brussels Support Turkey’s Role

Turkey’s inclusion, however, has been in the works for months. According to diplomatic sources, the European Commission and key EU capitals, notably Berlin, have communicated their intention to bring Turkey on board with EU defense efforts. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders have conveyed this position to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, affirming that Turkey’s strategic position and NATO membership make it a valuable partner.

NATO Dynamics and Strategic Logic

Turkey holds the second-largest military in NATO, a fact that weighs heavily on the EU’s current push to bolster its role in regional security. For most EU member states, particularly amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, excluding Turkey is seen as counterproductive.

While Greece and Cyprus remain strongly opposed, most member states argue that Turkey’s participation aligns with Europe’s need for a more robust and autonomous defense posture.

Greek Diplomacy Faces an Uphill Battle

In response, Athens has launched a diplomatic counteroffensive, mobilizing Greek ambassadors across Europe to lobby partner governments. Citing Article 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Greece argues that any cooperation agreements with non-EU countries – particularly candidate states like Turkey – should require unanimous approval.

Nevertheless, qualified majority voting will be the operative rule for approving third-country proposals under the new framework. This leaves Greece and Cyprus with diminishing influence and an unstable alliance of like-minded countries within the EU.

Next Steps and Lingering Tensions

The final wording of the agreement is expected to be published later on Wednesday, though sources indicate that negotiations may extend into the coming days. The matter is set to be formally addressed at the General Affairs Council on May 27, where a vote is likely to take place.

Despite diplomatic friction, officials familiar with the talks describe the mood as cautious but determined, as negotiators seek to reconcile key differences without derailing the broader goal of enhanced European defense cooperation.

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