The US Congress is sending a clear message to Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish government about the overflights of Turkish fighter jets over the Greek islands, which included a relevant reference in the accompanying text of the defense budget (NDAA) that was finalized on Tuesday night.
“We believe that NATO allies should not conduct unauthorized overflights into the airspace of other NATO allies,” US lawmakers wrote in the explanatory text accompanying the defense budget, which once approved by the full House and signed by the President will become Federal law.
On the F 16s
The F16 transfer section titled “F16 transfer restrictions” states that the House defense budget text included amendment 1271 (the Pope amendment) which would have prohibited the President from selling or authorizing the export of new F-16 aircraft 16 or F-16 upgrade technology or modernization kits to Turkey or any organization or body of Turkey, unless the President provides certain certifications and reports. Lawmakers go on to clarify that the Senate text did not contain a similar amendment. And therefore, they conclude, no such provision is included in the final text.
Although the effort to pass an amendment for the F-16s did not succeed, it should be noted that the amendments were from the beginning only an additional tool, as Senator Robert Menendez continues to maintain the right of veto as chairman of the Senate International Relations Committee. In fact, in a recent interview with state broadcaster ERT, he repeated once again that he is not going to consent to the granting of fighter jets to Turkey.
Latest News
Iran Activates Air Defense System- Reports of Attack by Israel
An Iranian official said explosions reported by Iran's media were the result of the activation of the country's air defense system, yet media reports attribute them to a drone attack by Israel
Poll: Greeks, EU Citizens Eager to Vote in European Elections
EU citizens are eager to vote in the upcoming elections for the European Parliament in June, with eight in 10 saying the current geopolitical situation makes voting imperative
Mitsotakis-Erdogan Meeting in Ankara Fixed for May 13
The Greek PM himself made the announcement from Brussels on Thursday, while he also responded to a question on Athens' intent to create a marine park in the central Aegean, an environmental initiative
Greece Aims to Boost Energy Capacity, Economy with Offshore Wind Farms
Greece’s Energy Ministry is pushing legislation to accelerate the construction of the first floating wind farms in Greek seas
Reuters: Greek Economy Surges After Decade of Pain
Nevertheless, the article also highlights some of the challenges facing the country, with a falling birthrate and labor shortages posing a threat to the long-term outlook
IMF: Greek Growth in 2024 at 2%; Debt to Ease to 158.8% of GDP This Year
Projected consumer prices are forecast to rise by 2.7%
Major Increase in Russian Natgas Imports by Greece in 1Q 2024
Russian state natgas exporter Gazprom dominated imports to the country, mostly through the overland pipeline entering via a northern frontier pipeline
Lamda Development Announces First Profitable Year for The Ellinikon Project
The ATHEX-listed developer reported 206 million euros in EBITDA for FY23, a 69%-percent increase from 2022 results
Europa Nostra Adds Sifnos, Serifos, Folegandros to Most Endangered List
Europa Nostra says three Greek islands are at risk due to surge in tourism development and rampant construction
EU Cracks Down on Social Media Influencers Making Illegal Profits
A recent EU inquiry uncovered 358 online influencers, among them 20 in Greece, found to be violating consumer laws