French President Emmanuel Macron this week described France’s defense ties with Greece as “exemplary,” calling his latest visit to Athens on Friday and Saturday a milestone in renewing what he termed a historic strategic alliance.
In remarks cited by local media on Friday, Macron said the two countries have moved beyond a simple bilateral agreement over the past five years, instead developing a “shared security culture,” particularly through joint defense programs such as the FDI (Belharra) frigates construction program.
“We want to move to a new stage by establishing an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership,” Macron said, in statements to the Athens daily “Ta Nea”, stressing the need to expand cooperation beyond defense into investment, innovation and key industries.
“By investing together, we are not only creating growth; we are building European sovereignty.”
The visit underscores the deepening of a partnership formalized in the 2021 Greece–France defense agreement, which has become a cornerstone of Europe’s strategic autonomy. The deal has also been seen as reinforcing Greece’s deterrence capacity in a tense regional environment.
Macron is expected to meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for talks culminating in the signing of four bilateral agreements covering defense, migration, innovation and, notably, nuclear energy. The French leader will also visit the frigate Kimon at the port of Piraeus, highlighting ongoing military cooperation.
The agenda includes a broader diplomatic and economic push, with initiatives such as cooperation between Euronext and the Athens Stock Exchange and a Franco-Greek business forum bringing together leading executives from both countries.
The partnership has already intensified following Greece’s acquisition of 24 Rafale fighter jets and Belharra-class frigates, while discussions are now expanding to potential co-production of submarines — a move that would further deepen defense-industrial ties.
Macron framed the alliance as part of a wider vision for Europe: “strong, independent, competitive and faithful to its values,” with a unified voice on the global stage.
