Greece’s national security strategy was at the center of the speech of the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Nikos Dendiasduring the conference “Postcolonization 1974-2024: 50 Years of Greek Foreign Policy” which takes place on December 12 and 13. Mr. Dendias presented an overall assessment of the past, but also the challenges facing the country in the field of foreign policy and defense.

“Our participation in the EU and NATO was not always a given,” he said, recalling the earlier dichotomies of Greek political parties. It was also mentioned in the “Thessaloniki Agenda 2003” for the Balkans and the success of Cyprus’s accession to the EU, characterizing these developments “strategic consensuses that shaped our course”.

Regarding Turkey, he emphasized that “Ankara’s deviation from its European perspective became evident at the beginning of the second decade of the 21st century”. He then emphasized that “if Turkey had accepted the International Law of the Sea, most problems would have been solved”. At the same time, he noted that “Turkey is slowly expanding its agenda of claims against our country”, to add that “we have to discuss with Turkey, but this means that we always raise the unacceptable aspects of Turkish positions, such as the casus belli”.

The speech also extended to the attempt to entrap Greece at sea, as reflected in Turkey’s relations with Egypt during the Morsi government and the Turkish-Libyan memorandum. Mr. Dendias characterized Greece’s subsequent agreement with Egypt “extremely beneficial compromise”who “nullified Ankara’s arguments about a lack of seriousness on our part.”

The Defense Minister referred to the multidimensional strategy of the first Mitsotakis government, which focused on bilateral agreements with countries such as France, the USA and the United Arab Emirateswhile deepening relations with Israel and Bahrain. As he pointed out, “we have formulated a complex strategic framework, which goes beyond the Turkish-centric model of the past.”

As for the Armed forcehe emphasized that “we need to acquire anti-drone capabilities and develop a defense canopy”. He characterized the creation of a missile wall in the Aegean as “more economical solution compared to conventional approaches” and asked for one “creative approach to equipment”.

Moreover, he foretold changes to military service in the first half of 2025;emphasizing how they will include “different training, clothing and new procedures”.

Mr. Dendias also referred to demographic problemexpressing concern over the prospect of Greece turning into “country of old men”. At the same time, he noted that “Greece must have an open embrace for populations that adopt Greek tradition and culture.”

Finally, special reference was made to the country’s capabilities in western Balkansbut also in the need to protect them Greek monuments located in neighboring countries.

The conference “Postcolonization 1974-2024: 50 Years of Greek Foreign Policy” is organized by the International Relations Council, the Delphi Economic Forum and TO BIMA newspaper.