05/23/2025

Europe's €150B defense lending scheme, Turkey's participation, and Greek concerns

This week EU ambassadors agreed on a €150 billion defense lending scheme, Security Action For Europe, or SAFE. EU officials are calling this "an important step toward a stronger Europe." In a move that has raised eyebrows in Athens and Nicosia, the agreement allows for limited participation by third countries – including Turkey. Following the announcement, Prime Minister Mitsotakis called on Turkey to lift its 30 year threat of war against Greece if it wants access to EU defense funds. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini’s diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis with the latest analysis.

You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:

EU defense fund clears key hurdle

Greece says Turkey must lift war threat to get access to EU defence funds

Panathinaikos and Olympiacos eye EuroLeague trophy in Abu Dhabi Final Four

Postecoglou becomes first Greek soccer coach to raise European cup

Greece doubles drone fleet and deploys record firefighters to tackle growing wildfire risk