Bloomberg on Friday reported that France and Greece are set to renew their defense pact next week, with the purported renewal described as part of a broader effort by both countries to strengthen deterrence and deepen military cooperation amid evolving security concerns in Europe.
If the report pans out, the development means a continuance of an existing Franco-Greek defense agreement signed in 2021, which already includes a mutual defense clause and major arms cooperation.
Reports over recent weeks have cited a prospect to extend cooperation through the end of the decade (around 2031) and include new areas, such as defense innovation and joint capabilities.
Macron Visit to Athens
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Athens next week following a European Union leaders’ summit in Cyprus. Macron is set to meet Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to reportedly ratify renewal of the defense agreement. The two sides are also expected to sign additional agreements to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as foreign policy, civil protection, and the economy, according to one source.
Growing Importance of Defense in Europe
Strengthening defense capabilities has become far more critical since Greece and France signed their initial agreement five years ago. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the war in Iran have developed into existential challenges for the European Union, particularly amid increasing uncertainty over transatlantic relations and threats from the United States that it could withdraw from NATO.
Source: tovima.com
