Greece urges Europe to enhance defense spending and autonomy

Greece's National Security Advisor, Athanasios Ntokos, spoke on Wednesday about the need for Europe to strengthen its defense and strategic autonomy. During an interview at the Raisina Dialogue in India, he highlighted changes in global political dynamics and the importance of investing more in defense. Ntokos noted that Greece spends about 3% of its GDP on defense, while the average for European countries is below 1.5%. He emphasized that both individual nations and the European Union need to increase defense spending to address security challenges and enhance resilience against new threats. When asked about NATO's role, Ntokos reaffirmed its importance as a military alliance for European security. He expressed hope that the U.S. will continue to value NATO, despite changing political attitudes. He acknowledged NATO's ability to adapt to various challenges over the years. On the topic of relationships with China, Ntokos mentioned concerns regarding Chinese investments in critical infrastructure, like the Port of Piraeus. He stated that Greece is cautious about further investments from China in sensitive areas and emphasized the need for careful monitoring. Ntokos also discussed migration, which is a contentious issue in Europe. He noted that while Greece has been a gateway for migrants, a common EU asylum policy is needed to manage responsibilities effectively among member states. He commented on the conflict in Ukraine, describing it as a mix of traditional warfare and modern technology. Ntokos highlighted how both sides use new technologies alongside conventional military tactics, marking it as an example of potential future conflicts. Lastly, he expressed optimism about the growing partnership between Greece and India, particularly in defense and trade. Ntokos mentioned collaborative projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to improve connectivity and trade relationships.