Greece Secures Veto in EU Defense Deal

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stressed that Greek diplomacy consistently serves national interests, addressing recent international developments in an interview with mononews.gr.

Commenting on the EU's SAFE Regulation, he noted that Europe is shifting towards a more geopolitical stance, emphasizing the need for stronger defense mechanisms. The SAFE framework outlines a four-year, €150 billion program allowing limited market access to third countries, such as the U.S. and U.K., under specific conditions, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian

Gerapetritis rejected claims that Greece failed to oppose Turkey’s potential involvement. He emphasized that decisions are made by a qualified majority in the EU and that Greece secured two key safeguards: third countries must sign bilateral agreements with the EU—requiring unanimous approval—and those agreements must respect member states’ national security, granting each the right to veto.

“These changes effectively gave Greece a veto where none was required,” he stated, calling the outcome a major diplomatic success.