Greece demands Türkiye drop 'casus belli' threat to access EU Defense Funds
In an interview with SKAI Radio, Mitsotakis referenced the EU's €150 billion SAFE fund, aimed at strengthening the bloc’s defense capabilities and industrial base. He emphasized that Türkiye’s access to such resources would require “respect for the legitimate concerns of both Greece and Cyprus.”
“If Türkiye wants access to European defense financing, it must remove the threat of war from the table,” Mitsotakis stated.
Background: The 'Casus Belli' Decision
The Greek PM was referring to a 1995 resolution by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), which declared that any unilateral Greek move to extend its territorial waters in the Aegean Sea beyond 6 nautical miles would be considered a casus belli—a reason for war. This declaration granted the Turkish government all necessary powers, including military options.
Türkiye and EU Defense Architecture
Turkey, though not an EU member, has expressed interest in participating in the EU’s evolving security and defense framework, especially through access to defense funding. However, Mitsotakis stated plainly:
“Thirty years have passed. I believe the time has come to directly ask our Turkish friends to withdraw that threat.”
Relations and Dialogue
Mitsotakis added that he intends to deliver this message directly to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan soon. He also highlighted recent improvements in bilateral relations between the two countries, suggesting that the current climate provides a suitable opportunity for diplomatic progress.
Lingering Disputes
Despite being NATO allies, Greece and Türkiye remain at odds over several critical issues:
- Territorial waters and airspace in the Aegean
- Continental shelf and exclusive economic zones (EEZs)
- The militarization of eastern Aegean islands
The Greek PM's comments signal a firm stance ahead of any Turkish involvement in EU-funded defense projects, tying access to the resolution of longstanding security concerns.
