US President Donald Trump's statements at the NATO Summit in Ankara supporting Turkey's access to F-35 fighter jets caused deep unease in Greece. Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras described these developments as a serious threat to both European and national security.
Economist magazine held a panel where Tsipras said, "Recent developments raise serious concerns both for European security and for our national security." Tsipras criticized the government led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for abandoning multilateral foreign policy and pursuing a "blank check policy" towards Washington.
The former prime minister claimed that during the Joe Biden era, when Mitsotakis was in opposition, he engaged in "extreme actions" to the point of labeling himself a "Trumpist." Tsipras stated, "In today's situation, Turkey is being given F-35s, F-16s, Eurofighters, and American aircraft engines, while we cannot even lay a cable to Choban Island. Make no mistake, this is exactly the situation. Our national security is under threat."
Tsipras, recalling that during his own premiership he made demands of the US in exchange for a five-year use agreement for the Souda military base, accused Mitsotakis of granting indefinite use rights to six different bases, including Alexandroupoli. Describing Trump's F-35 support for Turkey as a "national defeat," Tsipras said that Turkey had achieved many successes, including the procurement of F-16s, F-35s, and Eurofighters, as well as a maritime jurisdiction agreement with Libya.
Greek media scrutinize Turkey's gains
Following the NATO Summit, the Greek press assessed Trump's praise for Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as well as his statements on the F-35, as significant gains in Turkey's favor.
The Kathimerini newspaper, in an article headlined "Athens is concerned about developments," reported that Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, during a meeting with US Congress members in Athens, said that "Turkey's procurement of F-35s could have serious consequences for stability and security in the region." The newspaper wrote that Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis also conveyed to US Congress members on July 10 the unease over Turkey's purchase of F-35s.
Kathimerini suggested that until now Greece had treated the F-35 issue as a bilateral matter between Turkey and the US and had maintained a balanced stance. The newspaper commented, "The new reality requires Greece to convey its position through all channels and to transmit the full range of Greek views to Washington. Notably, however, the Greek side lacks the means to exert pressure on Washington."
In its Saturday edition, the Ta Nea newspaper, citing an experienced diplomat who requested anonymity, included the statement that "Trump's praise for Erdoğan plays a key role in the improvement of relations between the two countries." The report assessed, "This is precisely where the problems for Athens begin. It sees two allies drawing closer, Turkey entering the European security architecture, and seeking a role in the Middle East. Unlike the Europeans, who frequently disappoint Trump, Turkey appears ready to send troops wherever it is told."
