Hybrid threats, freedom of navigation, the Strait of Hormuz, and Russia’s “shadow fleet” were at the center of talks between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in Athens on Wednesday, May 27.
Gerapetritis said Greece and Finland, as NATO and EU members, face common asymmetric and hybrid threats that demonstrate Europe’s security is “indivisible.” He stressed that such challenges cannot be tackled by individual states alone, underlining the need for stronger EU solidarity.
Reaffirming Athens’ position on maritime security, the Greek minister said Greece places particular importance on safeguarding freedom of navigation and secure sea lanes. He also repeated Greece’s opposition to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” describing it as a violation of international law and a major environmental risk, adding that Athens is taking steps to counter the phenomenon.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Gerapetritis said Greece is prepared to contribute to efforts protecting freedom of navigation “when conditions allow,” in coordination with all parties involved. He emphasized that maritime security in heavily trafficked sea routes is essential and warned against any actions that could endanger civilians, seafarers, or shipping.
The two ministers also discussed the Western Balkans and EU enlargement, with Gerapetritis noting that Athens and Helsinki share a vision of a stronger, expanded, and strategically autonomous Europe.
For her part, Valtonen accused Russia and other authoritarian regimes of attempting to undermine Europe from within. Referring to Finland’s history with Russia, she said her country had resisted repeated attempts at domination and defended Ukraine’s right to live in freedom and democracy.
She argued that Western unity against Russian aggression was producing results and expressed hope that Moscow would eventually return to respecting international law.
Valtonen also voiced support for restoring secure maritime traffic, praising Greece’s role as a major maritime power benefiting Europe as a whole. At the same time, she stressed that Russia must be prevented from exporting anything that could support its war effort.
On the Middle East, the Finnish minister reaffirmed support for freedom of navigation, saying Greece had shown foresight regarding growing regional maritime security risks.
