Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias described Greece’s accession to the European Economic Community (EEC), the predecessor of today’s European Union, as one of the country’s most important strategic decisions.
In a post on social media marking the anniversary of the signing of Greece’s accession treaty on May 28, 1979, Dendias said the move had been made possible through the “foresight” of former Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis.
Greece became the 10th member state of the EEC following the agreement signed at the Zappeion Hall in Athens 48 years ago.
“Strategic Choice” for Greece
According to Dendias, joining the European bloc contributed not only to Greece’s economic development but also strengthened the country geopolitically and helped safeguard national interests.
“The accession to a united Europe was a top strategic choice,” the minister wrote.
He added that Greece’s current goal is to play an active role in efforts to strengthen a unified European defense framework within the European Union.
