France and Greece Renew Defense Partnership

In Athens on Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis renewed a 2021 defense partnership between their countries, emphasizing Europe's need to strengthen its security role within NATO while responding to long-standing U.S. expectations for greater self-reliance on the continent.

Macron, speaking after bilateral talks, stressed that the European Union's efforts to enhance its defensive capabilities are not meant to undermine the NATO alliance, which binds Europe to its American partner. "The lesson we must draw is, let us no longer be dependent," he said. "We Europeans must strengthen this European pillar of NATO, we must strengthen this Europe of defense not against anyone, not as an alternative to anything." Mitsotakis agreed, noting that the United States should welcome the EU's increased investment in defense, describing the American push for higher spending as justified.

The renewed agreement, valued at 3 billion euros, reaffirms a mutual assistance clause that obligates both nations to aid each other in the event of an armed attack. Macron described the provision as "inviolable" and not subject to debate, adding, "There are no...