Mitsotakis on Eurofighter Sales to Turkey: It Cannot Be Prevented
Greek PM Mitsotakis said blocking Turkey’s Eurofighter acquisition is unrealistic, emphasized conditional European oversight, and confirmed plans to meet Erdoğan at the UN General Assembly.
Yerel Gündem 
Mitsotakis on Eurofighter Sales to Turkey: "It Cannot Be Prevented"
YEREL GÜNDEM / ATHENS, GREECE
Greek PM Accepts Turkey's Defense Rise, Cautions Against Unrealistic Expectations
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has acknowledged Turkey’s growing defense capabilities, stating that blocking the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Ankara is neither realistic nor achievable. In a nationally broadcast interview with SKAI TV, Mitsotakis addressed concerns raised by the Greek press regarding Turkey's potential acquisition of the advanced European fighter jet.
"Turkey Is a Major Power—You Can’t Just Stop Arms Sales"
Responding to reports suggesting Greek discomfort with Turkey joining the list of Eurofighter users, Mitsotakis stated, “Turkey is a major country with a powerful defense industry. If someone believes they can prevent Turkey from acquiring defense systems, they are mistaken. It has never happened and it never will.” He added that, rather than imposing bans, European allies should emphasize conditional usage agreements and oversight where possible.
SAFE Security Program Still a Red Line for Athens
Mitsotakis also commented on the European Security Action Plan (SAFE), asserting that Greece would not support Turkey’s involvement in the program due to ongoing disputes in the Aegean. He underlined that unresolved issues between the two nations—particularly maritime boundaries—make Turkish participation in the SAFE program “unacceptable” at this stage.
Aegean Marine Parks Controversy
On the recent controversy surrounding Greece’s announcement of marine parks in the southern Aegean—a move that has drawn protests from Ankara—Mitsotakis insisted the initiative was purely environmental. He said the parks were part of Greece’s climate and biodiversity commitments, dismissing claims that they were strategic or politically motivated.
Eyes on UN General Assembly for Erdoğan-Mitsotakis Meeting
Despite rising tensions, Mitsotakis struck a note of diplomatic optimism, revealing that he plans to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. He stressed the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in overcoming bilateral disputes.
Etiketler:
#Mitsotakis #Eurofighter #TurkeyDefense #Greece #Erdoğan #Aegean #SAFEProgram #UN2025
