French President Emmanuel Macron is set to arrive in Athens on Friday afternoon for a two-day official visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties between France and Greece, with defense and strategic cooperation at the center of discussions.
Macron is expected to land in the Greek capital after a stop in Cyprus at around 6:00 p.m. local time. His program begins with an event at the Roman Agora in Athens alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, followed by a formal reception by the President of the Republic.
On Saturday, the French president will join Mitsotakis and senior defense officials from both countries for a visit to a French-made frigate docked at the port of Piraeus. Later in the morning, he will hold talks with the Greek prime minister at the government headquarters, where agreements will be signed and joint statements issued. The visit will conclude with a business forum and a cultural event at a major foundation in Athens.
Strengthening a “strategic alliance”
Ahead of his arrival, Macron emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, describing it as a “strategic dialogue” rooted in shared history but driven by modern geopolitical realities.
He highlighted what he called “exemplary defense cooperation” between the two countries, noting that recent years have seen the development of joint defense capabilities, including naval and air force procurement programs. According to Macron, this cooperation reflects a shared commitment to European security and stability.
He also stressed that the partnership has evolved beyond defense, expanding into broader economic and industrial collaboration. Strengthening ties between businesses and investment sectors, he said, contributes not only to growth but also to what he described as European strategic autonomy.
Defense and security at the core
A key expected outcome of the visit is the renewal of a strategic defense and security partnership agreement between Greece and France, originally signed in 2021. The agreement includes mutual defense assistance commitments and has already underpinned cooperation in military procurement, including fighter jets and naval vessels.
Security at sea is also expected to feature prominently in discussions, particularly regarding international maritime routes. Greece currently participates in a European naval operation aimed at protecting shipping lanes, reflecting its longstanding role as a major maritime nation.
Wider cooperation across sectors
Beyond defense, the two countries are expected to sign additional agreements covering areas such as the economy, innovation, civil protection, and foreign policy. Both sides are also expected to reaffirm shared positions on international law, multilateral cooperation, and the role of the United Nations.
Digital policy is another area of focus, particularly the protection of minors online. Greece and France are among the European countries pushing for stronger regulation of social media use by children, with initiatives aimed at creating safer digital environments.
