Greek concerns surfaced during a recent closed-door briefing by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, to the Socialists and Democrats group, when a Greek MEP from PASOK raised issues regarding Turkey’s provocative behavior and Ankara’s demands to be included in the EU’s defense program.
The discussion largely revolved around Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, and the Balkans. According to scarce leaks, Kallas addressed all the questions posed, including those that held the European Commission accountable.
One of the most surprising moments came when PASOK MEP Giannis Maniatis intervened. He questioned how the European Commission could consider Turkey as a potential defense ally and partner of the EU while it continues to occupy 37% of Cyprus, maintains a casus belli against Greece, and repeatedly violates Greek sovereign rights in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
Furthermore, Maniatis pressed Kallas on why neither she nor the Commission had reacted to Turkey’s obstruction of research efforts concerning the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project—an initiative aimed at establishing an electricity link between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
He reminded those present that the project, backed by 650 million euros in EU funding, is a crucial component of European energy security.
Kallas’ response took many by surprise. “I personally asked the Turkish Foreign Minister three times to halt the interventions, and the results are what you already know,” she reportedly said, leaving MEPs familiar with Greek-Turkish relations and the interconnection project taken aback.
