Türkiye’s closer ties with Europe could offer Greece opportunities, expert says

Canada’s University of Ottawa law professor George Monastiriakos has argued that Europe’s growing defense cooperation with Türkiye is inevitable and that Greece could use this development as an opportunity to resolve longstanding disputes with Ankara.

European security and Türkiye’s strategic role

Following tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, Europe has sought to bolster its security, leading to new partnerships and enhanced cooperation with existing allies.

Türkiye, with its increasing role in European defense and its strategic position within NATO, has emerged as a key player in the continent’s security architecture.

The European Union (EU) has identified Türkiye as a “like-minded country” and invited it to high-level security and defense discussions. However, this growing relationship has sparked unease among nationalist factions in Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Greek expert advocates pragmatism in Greece-Türkiye relations

In a March 6 column for the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, Monastiriakos urged the Greek government to acknowledge Türkiye’s rising significance in European security and adjust its approach accordingly.

His remarks drew backlash from certain segments of the Greek public, with some accusing him of disloyalty. Responding to the criticism, he stated, “The only betrayal here is the betrayal of reality.”

Speaking to Anadolu (AA), Monastiriakos highlighted three potential security strategies for Greece: normalizing relations with Russia, forming independent defense agreements with the U.S. and Israel outside the E.U. framework, or supporting Europe’s engagement with Türkiye.

“The first two options could harm Greece’s interests,” he said. “Supporting Europe’s rapprochement with Türkiye could provide Greece with the necessary opportunities to resolve its disputes with Ankara.”

Türkiye’s expanding role in European defense

Monastiriakos dismissed calls to exclude Türkiye from Europe’s security landscape, stating, “Türkiye has been a NATO member for as long as Greece has. These two nations are integral to Europe’s security structure.”

He also pointed to Europe’s growing reliance on Türkiye’s defense industry. “The rest of Europe is rushing to collaborate with Türkiye. Since my article on Turkish defense was published on March 11, Estonia has purchased armored personnel carriers from Türkiye, and the U.K. has approved Türkiye’s Eurofighter jet acquisition.”

The professor noted that the long-standing tensions in Cyprus have not escalated into a full-blown conflict for years, and he stressed the need for a diplomatic resolution between Europe, Nicosia, and Ankara.

Europe sees Türkiye as key to strengthening defense industry

Monastiriakos underscored Türkiye’s geopolitical importance, stating, “Türkiye sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is not only the guardian of the Black Sea but also borders the Caucasus and the Middle East. As seen in Syria, Türkiye will always play a crucial role in these geopolitical zones.”

“Europe views Türkiye as indispensable for strengthening the continent’s defense industry base,” he added. “This cooperation benefits both sides economically and in terms of security.”

Regarding the future of Türkiye-Europe defense collaboration, Monastiriakos remarked, “Türkiye possesses a vast workforce and a strong manufacturing base in defense and machinery. At first glance, this looks like a match made in heaven. Only time will tell how it develops.”

A call for Greece to adapt to Türkiye’s growing influence

In his Kathimerini column titled “Greece Must Adapt to Türkiye’s Growing Importance in European Security,” Monastiriakos warned that Athens could find itself isolated if it fails to adjust to this shifting landscape.

He argued that in the current geopolitical climate—where the U.S. is experiencing an identity crisis—Europe and Greece must forge stronger ties with Ukraine and Türkiye.

“No world leader has outmaneuvered Russian war criminal Vladimir Putin as effectively as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, from Syria to Azerbaijan and even Libya. As far as I can count, Türkiye’s strongman remains undefeated against the Russian dictator,” Monastiriakos wrote.

He suggested that while Greece cannot prevent Europe’s deeper engagement with Türkiye, it should seek to influence the nature and extent of this partnership. “Athens cannot stop this from happening, but it can and should shape how it unfolds.”

In a subsequent article published on March 11, titled “Seven Truths About E.U.-Türkiye Relations,” Monastiriakos further emphasized that Europe’s growing alignment with Türkiye is a strategic necessity, especially as the E.U. works to fill the security void left by the U.S. retreating from the region.

“Türkiye is a powerful regional actor, and Europe’s pivot toward it is a matter of realpolitik. Greece must ensure it is not left behind in this evolving balance of power,” he concluded.