Countries that threaten EU can't participate in defence, Greek PM Mitsotakis says

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has highlighted Greece's position on third countries participating in European defence, saying that nations that threaten EU member states cannot take part.

Mitsotakis made the comments after a meeting with European Council President António Costa in Athens.

He expressed Greece's solidarity with Poland, following a violation of its airspace in the early hours of Wednesday by a record 19 drones, believed to be from Russia.

Mitsotakis also said Athens supports coordinated EU and US efforts to end the war in Ukraine but that Kyiv cannot be frozen out of talks.

"A discussion must include Ukraine, respect international law, uphold the inviolability of borders and provide necessary security guarantees," he said.

The Greek prime minister also said he believes in supporting the strategic autonomy of the European Union.

"On the occasion of the recent incidents in Polish airspace, I reiterate the need for a common European financial instrument for defence markets of common European interest such as missile defence. I believe that this debate is ripe for discussion and we will have it in the next European Council discussions," he added.

Mitsotakis also stressed the importance of a unified European defence strategy, advocating for a European finance mechanism to support shared defence projects.

"As members of a strong Europe that does not give in to revisionism, we have to demonstrate also on the ground that no violation of sovereignty and sovereign rights can be tolerated," Mitsotakis said.

The threat from Russia

Speaking to reporters after their meeting, Costa also acknowledged the threat Russia poses to Europe and in particular the bloc's eastern flank.

"When we talk about security, of course, our first idea comes to the Eastern flank and the threat coming from Russia. But we can never forget that we need to have a 360 degree approach to our security," he said.

"Of course, Russia is a clear threat: this invasion of our airspace in Poland and in Romania is the clearest example. But we have other borders that we need to protect, from Cyprus to Finland, from Portugal to Romania. And for these, it is very important to work together."

On Friday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced an "Eastern Sentry" programme which aims to deter further Russian incursions and show solidarity with Poland.

"We see drones violating our airspace. Whether it was intentional or not, it is unacceptable. The allies have expressed full solidarity with Poland. It is crucial to counter aggression and defend every member of the Alliance," Rutte said.

"The defence of the eastern flank is our key task. That is why we are launching the Eastern Sentry initiative to further strengthen our eastern flank."

On Monday, Romania condemned what it called Moscow's "irresponsible actions" after a Russian drone allegedly entered Romanian airspace during an aerial attack on Ukraine.

That incident, on Saturday evening, prompted Bucharest to scramble fighter jets, the defence ministry said.