Overview
- France pledged to stand by Greece if its sovereignty is threatened, with Emmanuel Macron saying Saturday that EU mutual‑assistance under Article 42.7 is an unequivocal obligation.
- The leaders renewed their 2021 defense and security partnership with tacit reconduction and signed a new strategic agreement that extends cooperation into areas like the economy and innovation.
- Macron and Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted concrete military ties by visiting Kimon, a French‑built Belharra frigate already delivered to the Hellenic Navy.
- Macron cast the moment as a call for European resolve, arguing that Europe must become a true power, while stressing that a stronger European pillar should reinforce rather than weaken NATO.
- Talks on deeper defense‑industrial ties continue, with Naval Group reported to be competing to supply Barracuda‑class submarines, and maritime security planning focused on securing key sea lanes from the Red Sea to the Strait of Hormuz where Greece plays a central role through the EU’s Aspides mission.