Greece and France sign defence co-operation agreement

French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis signed a defence co-operation agreement between their two countries in Paris on 28 September.

Concurrently, Greek Defence Minister Nicos Panagiotopoulos signed a memorandum of understanding with Naval Group CEO Pierre Eric Pommellet and MBDA CEO Eric Béranger to start negotiations on the purchase of three Belh@rra-class Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention (FDI) mid-size frigates, designated FDI HN, with an option for a fourth.

Mitsotakis said the defence co-operation agreement paves the way for “autonomous” European defence, “equal to its economic power.” He stressed that the deal with France would not affect the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement currently being negotiated between Greece and the United States. Macron said the agreement strengthens security co-operation and helps safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries.

Under Article 2 of the agreement, Greece and France will provide each other assistance with the use of force if necessary, “Both parties provide to each other help and assistance, with all appropriate means at their disposal and, if there is need of the use of armed force and they both mutually conclude that an armed attack is taking place against the sovereignty of either according to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”