Greece and France have signed a multibillion-euro military agreement, a deal hailed by the leaders of both countries as a bold first step towards deeper military cooperation on the continent, reports The Guardian.
Barely two weeks after the humiliating loss of a submarine deal with Australia – after the unexpected Aukus defence pact between Australia, the UK and US – Paris on Tuesday announced the landmark accord with Athens.
“Europeans must come out of their naivety,” said the French president, Emmanuel Macron, describing the pact as part of a deeper “strategic partnership” between the two nations to defend shared interests in the Mediterranean.
“When we are under pressure … showing that we also have power and the capacity to defend ourselves … is simply making ourselves be respected.”
The agreement was not only a sign of confidence in French production but “an audacious first step towards European strategic autonomy”, he said.
Under the terms of the deal, which Greek media are reporting to be worth 5 billion euros, France will deliver three state-of-the art Belharra frigates to Greece by 2025, with the option of a fourth warship also on offer – seeing off tenders from the UK and other Nato countries.
Bidding was competitive. A UK tender from Babcock International to build the warships was sweetened with the offer of two Royal Navy warships to be given to Greece while the frigates were built.
Although a far cry from the 56-billion-euro submarine contract France had signed with Australia, prior to Canberra reneging on the purchase, the Greek deal is a major boost for Macron, who has long advocated that Europe bolster its own defence capabilities and not be so reliant on the US.
In the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron has found a willing ally. Mitsotakis has called the idea of a European army “a mature proposal” and is a vigorous proponent of the continent “reconciling” its geopolitical heft with its economic power.
Standing next to the French leader at the Élysée Palace, Mitsotakis agreed that beyond Athens’ own military needs, the accord could be seen as a first step towards sealing Europe’s defence ambitions.