Germany is seeking to “significantly” expand defence cooperation with Greece, including increased joint procurement initiatives, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said during an official visit to Athens on Monday.
The move comes as Greece continues a broad modernization of its armed forces, pursuing parallel defence partnerships with several strategic allies, most notably France, the United States, and Israel. The shifting network of defence alignments underscores Athens’ effort to accelerate military upgrades amid evolving security challenges in the eastern Mediterranean.
Speaking in Athens, Wadephul signalled Berlin’s interest in deepening bilateral defence ties, particularly in maritime security and naval capabilities. However, both he and his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis initially avoided providing detailed announcements on concrete agreements, indicating that discussions are still at an exploratory stage.
Gerapetritis described Greece’s position as open to deeper cooperation, while stressing that broader European considerations must remain central. “In addition to national interests, common European interests must be kept in mind and the autonomy of the European Union must be strengthened,” he said, reflecting Athens’ preference to anchor defence partnerships within the EU framework.
A key area of focus for Germany is maritime defence cooperation, with Wadephul expected to visit the Skaramangas shipyard, the largest shipbuilding facility in the eastern Mediterranean. The site has become a focal point for European naval industry engagement. German defence company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has recently reached an agreement with the shipyard to modernise four submarines, a project that could serve as a foundation for expanded industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Officials on both sides suggested that further opportunities may emerge in naval maintenance, submarine upgrades, and potential joint procurement programs, although no new contracts were formally announced during the visit.
The talks take place against the backdrop of Greece’s evolving defence partnerships, particularly its deepening strategic cooperation with France. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron recently extended their bilateral strategic agreement, originally signed in 2021, for an additional five years. The agreement includes a French security guarantee for Greece, a development Mitsotakis described as a “historic day,” highlighting the increasing role of bilateral defence commitments within Europe.
However, Germany’s parallel defence engagement with Turkey could complicate efforts to further strengthen ties with Athens. Relations between Greece and Turkey have remained tense in recent years due to disputes over maritime boundaries, gas exploration rights, and sovereignty issues in the eastern Mediterranean.
Tensions were further underscored in October when Berlin approved a multi-billion-euro deal for the delivery of 20 Eurofighter jets to Turkey, reversing years of partial restrictions on arms exports to Ankara. The decision drew concern in Athens, where officials have urged greater sensitivity in German defence exports.
Gerapetritis addressed this issue indirectly, calling on Berlin to ensure safeguards in arms agreements involving regional actors. “What we consider to be the absolute minimum is ensuring that these systems are not used to the detriment of an allied country,” he said, emphasizing Greece’s expectation that NATO allies consider regional security implications in their defence trade policies.
Beyond bilateral defence matters, the discussions also touched on broader geopolitical issues, including security developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, and ongoing debates over European Union enlargement. Several Western Balkan countries, along with Ukraine, are currently seeking EU membership, placing institutional and geopolitical pressure on the bloc to define a clear accession roadmap.
Wadephul stressed the importance of offering “credible prospects” for EU accession to candidate countries. He also noted that Greece will assume a particularly influential role when it takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2027, positioning Athens as a key voice in shaping enlargement policy and broader European strategic priorities.
