Greece has always been a staunch supporter of the development of a Common Foreign and Security Policy for the EU, including the formulation of a common European defense.  In this regard, Greece has actively participated in the entire evolutionary process of the EU over the last decade, laying particular emphasis on the need to bolster the Union with a credible and strong foreign and security policy, which should have at its disposal the necessary institutional framework, coherence and unity, along with vital operational tools, in order to underpin the role of the EU on the international scene.

In a spirit of firm community solidarity, our country takes part in CFSP initiatives and substantially contributes to the formulation of an EU foreign policy, particularly in regions in its immediate neighbourhood (the Balkans, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, the Caucasus region), with a view to eradicating current loci of conflicts, developing good neighbourly relations, and consolidating peace and security.

The basic parameter of the CFSP, as shown by the European Security Strategy, is that the UN Security Council plays a principal role in preserving world security and peace, and this is also our country’s firm position. Of equal importance is the principle of the peaceful resolution of conflicts through international judicial institutions, international cooperation, economic development, democratic processes, and respect for human rights and civil liberties.

With regard to the ESDP, in particular, military crisis management has never been an end in itself for the EU, nor a principal tool for the preservation of peace and security. Our country’s objective is not the militarization of the European Union. We support the need for a comprehensive approach on addressing conflicts, and that the two aspects of ESDP (military and civilian) should develop in a parallel and balanced manner. At the same time, all instruments at the disposal of the European Union should be used in a cohesive manner.

Greece’s contribution to the development of European military and civilian crisis management capabilities is substantial, and our country thus ranks among the ESDP’s top supporters. Naturally, our country's participation in the ESDP does not in any way limit Greece's defense capabilities.

The principles and values on which the European Union has been built, respect for its institutional integrity and independent decision-making, contribute to the promotion of a different approach to international affairs; an approach that gives added value to international efforts for peace and stability, rather than competing with existing security structures.

Last modified: March 2009