Foreign Policy
A busy year of diplomacy for Athens, but Greek-Turkish ties stagnate
Greece was active on the diplomatic front throughout 2021: High-level agreements were signed, while Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited several countries with the aim of forging stronger ties with countries that are significant for Greek interests.
Mitsotakis heads to Israel and Russia with broad agenda
Issues that are high on the Greek government’s diplomatic agenda, such as energy, the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey are expected to top the talks that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will have on his visits to Tel Aviv and Sochi this week.
Athens reacts to Turkey developments, stance of EU allies on arms
The collapse of the Turkish lira and the possible knock-on effect that this might have across the Aegean is being followed closely in Athens.
Athens gets seat at Libya conference, but talks yield little
An international conference on Libya ended in Paris on Friday with a commitment from the North African country’s authorities to hold presidential elections on December 24 and a decision to set up a schedule for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya.
Athens looks to bolster ties with African states, beyond Libya
For some time, Greece has paid little attention to Africa and especially the northern part of the continent, where it could potentially have a strategic footprint.
Zaev's departure leaves ties with North Macedonia in balance
The European Union’s failure to offer the Western Balkans guarantees for full EU membership has had many victims. The latest is North Macedonia’s prime minister, Zoran Zaev.
Athens turns attention to Libya, advocates EastMed energy cooperation
Following an intense period, during which Greece signed a defence deal with France and renewed the Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) with the US, Athens is once again turning an eye to the Eastern Mediterranean region as well as North Africa.
Athens sees many benefits in renewal of defence cooperation with Washington
Following the signing of the amendment to the Defence Agreement between Greece and the United States on Thursday, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias described it as “a very good day for our country.”
Mood sours as Greece and Turkey head for new round of exploratory talks
Greece and Turkey return on Wednesday for the 63rd round of their exploratory talks, this time in Ankara, with the possibility that they could eventually lead to international arbitration if enough common ground is found.
Athens sees multiple defence, geopolitical benefits in pact with France
French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis signed in Paris on Tuesday what they described as a “historic” defence agreement involving new warships and a mutual assistance clause.