Turkey's participation in new European defense programs is set to move forward, despite objections from Athens and Nicosia. The final decisions will be made by qualified majority voting within the European Union, rather than requiring unanimous consent.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias voiced his opposition to Turkey's inclusion, stating, “[We] cannot defend Europe if the enemy is within its walls,” ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.
Turkey’s involvement in EU defense initiatives is not unexpected, as messages from various EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, have indicated a willingness to cooperate with Turkey on defense matters to strengthen Europe’s capabilities amid rising security challenges.
For nearly all EU member states, excluding a NATO member with the second-largest military makes little practical sense, particularly as the bloc seeks to increase its influence in both Ukraine and the Middle East.
Athens has encountered resistance in Brussels, prompting the Greek government to mobilize its ambassadors across EU capitals. Diplomats were instructed to convey Greece’s concerns to foreign and defense ministries in partner countries, emphasizing the need for unanimous decisions rather than those made by qualified majority.
Greece has cited Article 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which governs bilateral agreements between the EU and candidate countries, including Turkey. However, the selection of proposals involving third countries will ultimately be determined by qualified majority, limiting Greece and Cyprus's ability to influence the outcome.
The final text of the agreement is expected to be released later on Wednesday, though negotiations may extend for several days leading up to the General Affairs Council meeting on May 27, when formal adoption is anticipated. Despite the challenges, diplomatic sources indicate that talks remain delicate as negotiators work to bridge significant differences.
