Dendias: “We cannot defend Europe if the enemy is within the walls”

The Greek Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, has reiterated his stance in Brussels regarding the potential involvement of third countries in the EU defense funding mechanisms, implicitly referencing Turkey.

“It is unacceptable for nations to participate in the European project indiscriminately while posing threats to other countries—even EU member states—failing to recognize their sovereignty and not sharing the fundamental values of democracy and human rights,” Mr. Dendias stated upon arriving at the EU Foreign Affairs Council focused on Defense Ministers. He concluded with the assertion,
“We cannot defend Europe if the enemy is within the walls.”

Here’s the full statement by the Minister of National Defence:

“Today, at the European Council of Defence Ministers, we are addressing several crucial issues, with Ukraine being a prominent topic.

However, I want to highlight the efforts being made through the SAFE Regulation and the ReArm Europe initiative, aimed at ensuring that Europe is equipped to defend itself and uphold democracy, human rights, and the dignity of all individuals.

In this context, we must proceed with caution. Greece has consistently emphasized the necessity for this initiative to include only those nations that respect and align with the European Union’s value system.

It is unacceptable for countries that threaten others, including EU member states, or that do not acknowledge their sovereignty and fail to uphold democratic and human rights principles, to participate indiscriminately in the European project.

We cannot defend Europe if the enemy is within the walls.”