Greece Reassesses Defense as U.S. Reliance and Regional Risks Grow

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias presented Greece’s long-term defense transformation plan, “Agenda 2030,” during a keynote address at a geopolitics conference in Greece, emphasizing that both Europe and Greece must adapt to a new and less predictable security environment.

Europe and the limits of U.S. security guarantees

Dendias said Europe relied for decades on the strategic umbrella of the United States, particularly after the end of the Cold War, allowing European countries to underinvest in their own defense capabilities.

“Europe relied for decades on the strategic umbrella of the United States,” he said, adding that this period has now ended and that Europe must confront a more difficult reality.

According to Dendias, strengthening a common European defense policy is no longer optional. “Security can no longer be taken for granted,” he said.

Post–Cold War assumptions no longer valid

The Greek defense minister said the international system is undergoing a fundamental shift, marking the end of the optimistic frameworks that followed the Cold War.

He argued that theories such as Francis Fukuyama’s “end of history” have been disproven by recent global developments, stating that the world is now entering a new and uncertain global order.

Geography shapes Greece’s defense outlook

Dendias said Greece’s security planning is strongly influenced by geography, noting that the country cannot compare its strategic position to states located far from areas of tension.

“The phrase I often use — that unfortunately Greece is not located in the geographical position of Luxembourg — describes an objective reality,” he said, adding that Greece is “a prisoner of geography” and must plan accordingly.

Türkiye cited among regional security considerations

Within this broader defense assessment, Dendias referred to Türkiye’s growing regional role, citing its activities across several regions.

He said Türkiye’s projection of power from Syria to Libya and Somalia creates new challenges for regional security planning. Dendias stressed, however, that Greece’s strategic response is not based on exclusion, but on shaping a framework of rules and stability.

Broadening defense partnerships beyond the transatlantic axis

Dendias also highlighted Greece’s efforts to diversify its defense partnerships. Referring to a visit to India two days earlier, he described India as a significant country and an emerging superpower with a GDP exceeding three trillion dollars.

He said India has a role to play in shared security and noted that new pathways are opening to strengthen defense relations between the two countries.