Greece braces for US election outcome

Given how Greece’s defense and foreign policy strategies are tightly interwoven with Washington, the outcome of the US presidential election is of paramount interest to Athens.

With each new presidency comes a chance to reassess these critical ties, especially as Greece works toward a more strategically autonomous Europe, reducing its dependency on the US for stability. Greece is currently engaged in multiple defense agreements and military programs with the US, all aiming to bolster regional security and counterbalance various global tensions.

One of the most notable defense initiatives under way is Greece’s acquisition of 20 F-35 fighter jets, projected for delivery by the late 2020s.

Additionally, Greece is set to receive 35 Black Hawk helicopters in 2027 and 2028, part of a growing list of joint defense projects. These advancements follow a history of close military collaboration: US forces have established strategic positions across Greece, including the Souda Bay naval base, Larissa, and Alexandroupoli, which is increasingly vital for NATO’s eastern flank and support in Ukraine.

Apart from these concrete military steps, the government under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has repeatedly stressed the need for a unified, strategically autonomous Europe.

This stance is motivated partly by Greece’s geographic exposure to regional conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East, and ongoing territorial tensions with Turkey. Mitsotakis’ recent address in Nafplio highlighted the urgency of a geopolitically mature Europe, prepared to address challenges without dependence on shifting US foreign policies.

The Greek government is also pursuing a new frigate program with the US, involving potential acquisition of up to seven Constellation-class ships.

The ambitious plan would not only provide Greece with advanced naval capabilities but could also make Greece a critical hub for maintaining this new fleet.

Regardless of who takes office in the US, Athens hopes that Europe will continue building its resilience to external uncertainties, like climate-induced disasters affecting the continent. Mitsotakis underscored Greece’s commitment by citing substantial investments, including €2.1 billion toward fortifying Greece’s infrastructure against extreme weather, a pressing need highlighted by recent floods in Spain.

For Greece, a more self-reliant Europe is essential, one capable of confronting evolving global challenges independently. Athens’ ongoing efforts in defense and infrastructure reflect this vision, which seeks not only regional stability but also a Europe that is less vulnerable to the outcomes of American elections.