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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis requested that Türkiye remove its 30-year-old casus belli threat against Greece and outlined strict conditions for Turkish participation in European Union defense programs during a comprehensive radio interview on Thursday.
Speaking on Greek media outlet SKAI radio, Mitsotakis addressed Türkiye's potential involvement in the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 program while emphasizing Greek and Cypriot security concerns must be prioritized.
Following Greece's insistence, efforts were made to support Europe's defense sector, with Greece supporting the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program for European companies investing in the defense industry.
The Greek Prime Minister explained the procedural requirements for Türkiye's participation in EU defense funding mechanisms.
"For the EU to agree with a third state, unanimity of all member states is required. We will see and examine how we will utilize this tool," Mitsotakis stated.
Referring to Greece-Türkiye relations, he emphasized the linkage between EU funding access and regional threat removal: "For the EU to be able to conclude a relationship with a third state, unanimity of the 27 EU members is required."
Mitsotakis delivered his strongest message regarding the Turkish parliamentary resolution that authorizes military action against Greece over territorial disputes.
"It has been 30 years since the Casus Belli. We must ask our Turkish friends directly to remove it from the table. You cannot, on one hand, claim to enter EU funding tools and, on the other, threaten an EU country," Mitsotakis declared.
The premier indicated he would communicate this position directly to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with whom he maintains what he described as a good relationship.
"I will tell this to Erdogan, with whom we have a good relationship. In the coming months, the Supreme Council of Cooperation will take place; we are looking for possible dates," Mitsotakis announced.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels: "These meetings are useful; we must have an open channel of communication."
The casus belli, adopted by the Turkish Parliament in 1995, urges military action if Greece extends its territorial waters beyond six nautical miles in the Aegean Sea.
The Greek leader expressed hope that EU defense cooperation mechanisms could influence Turkish regional conduct.
"Hopefully, the safe tool will give us leverage to modify Türkiye's behavior," Mitsotakis said, referring to the European defense funding program.
He indicated that Greece plans to strategically use its veto power within EU decision-making processes to address long-standing bilateral issues.
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Mitsotakis outlined Greece's independent energy strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasizing coordination with international partners while asserting maritime rights.
"In the last two months, we allowed Chevron to examine whether deposits exist. We published the maritime spatial planning maps, securing on paper the maximum potential limits of the Greek continental shelf," he stated.
The Prime Minister dismissed misconceptions about energy cooperation delays: "It is a wrong perception that the electric cable is postponed indefinitely."
He emphasized that Greek foreign policy operates according to a specific strategic framework: "Greek foreign policy moves based on specific planning," independent of Turkish activities in the region.
Mitsotakis delivered sharp criticism of Israeli military operations, characterizing recent Gaza developments as unacceptable.
"I have no difficulty saying that what has been happening in recent days in Gaza is unjustified and unacceptable. Israel must stop these operations," the prime minister declared.
He emphasized direct diplomatic communication with Israeli leadership: "We have an obligation to tell hard truths to our allies. I have conveyed this truth directly to Israel's leadership."
The Greek leader called for an immediate cease-fire and restoration of humanitarian aid access to the Palestinian territories.
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