Greece to protest Italy over defence deal with Turkiye

Athens plans to submit a diplomatic protest to Italy because of its defence arrangement with Turkiye, Hurriyet Daily News reports.

According to the report, Greece plans to file an official diplomatic complaint regarding Italy’s defence pact with Turkiye after Italian authorities approved the purchase of Piaggio Aerospace by Turkiye’s Baykar.

The report says Athens claims that Rome skipped the required EU notification for the transaction which they consider to be a breach of EU investment rules.

The Greek government believes that expanded defence collaboration between Turkiye and European countries threatens regional security dynamics. Greece continues its efforts to keep track of and respond to Turkiye’s expanding military strength with this action.

The agreement between Italy and Turkiye raises particular concerns in Athens because Baykar manufactures the Bayraktar drones Turkiye employs in local conflicts. Greece has already voiced its apprehension regarding these transactions because they might boost Turkiye’s military strength in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean areas.

Greece’s current strategy includes a formal protest but excludes any legal measures to stop the deal. The situation may lead to increased tensions between Athens and Rome in the context of EU relations.

The Greek protest represents a component of their wider diplomatic efforts to stop arms and technology transactions that would boost Turkiye’s military strength. Greek Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias, raised new concerns about France’s prospective Meteor missile sale to Turkiye which demonstrates Athens’ ongoing attention to defence deals with its neighbouring rival.

Greece plans to submit a formal diplomatic protest to Italy to make it reconsider its decision in support of European Union security interests. This action reveals continuous regional tensions and Greece’s careful strategy towards changing European security partnerships.

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