Greece is preparing a formal protest against Italy over its defense agreement with Turkey, just days after a high-level discussion between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the sale of Meteor air-to-air missiles to Ankara.
The Greek government argues that Rome bypassed European regulations by approving the sale of Piaggio Aerospace to Turkey’s Baykar without notifying EU partners.
Greek officials insist that European defense cooperation must be transparent, particularly when it involves Turkey, a NATO member with contentious relations in the region.
The 2019/452 EU regulation requires that such investments in state-controlled defense companies be disclosed to all member-states.
Athens claims Italy failed to do so before transferring ownership of Piaggio Aerospace, a strategic aviation company, to Baykar, known for producing UAVs and drones.
While Macron assured Mitsotakis that discussions regarding Meteor missile sales are ongoing and not yet finalized, he highlighted that the UK plays a crucial role in the decision.
Greece continues to monitor the situation but has refrained from direct intervention. Instead, Athens prioritizes its own defense strategy, emphasizing its military cooperation with France, which includes the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets and advanced frigates.
Despite Greek concerns, several European countries maintain significant defense contracts with Turkey. Germany, for instance, has an ongoing €2.5 billion deal to deliver six Type 214 submarines. Berlin has also allowed negotiations on the sale of 40 Eurofighter jets to Turkey, although no final agreement has been reached.
Spain, a consistent defense partner of Turkey, contributed to the construction of the Turkish aircraft carrier Anadolu, which has been adapted as a drone carrier. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has engaged in extensive defense contracts with Turkey, totaling approximately €2.2 billion over the past decade.
Greece’s protest highlights broader EU tensions over arms sales and defense cooperation with Turkey. Italian aerospace giant Leonardo is reportedly seeking deeper collaboration with Baykar on unmanned aerial vehicles, further fueling Greek concerns over unchecked European defense deals with Ankara.