Greece in NATO

Greece in NATO

The year 2025 marked the 73rd anniversary of Greece’s accession in 1952 to the North Atlantic Treaty of Washington (1949). Our participation in the Alliance has been a central element in shaping Greece's post-war foreign and defense policy.

Since then, Greece, committed to upholding and respecting International Law, the United Nations Charter, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, remains a firm and strong link that demonstrates on every occasion its enduring constructive role as a responsible and reliable Ally. Especially in the current fluid international security environment, Greece's contribution to shaping the Alliance’s political-military purposes is significant.

Greece is one of the few allied countries that meet both the 2% of GDP target for defense expenditures and the commitment of allocating 20% of the 2% for the modernization of military capabilities. It also consistently contributes to NATO's operations, missions, and activities (e.g., Operation Sea Guardian, KFOR, NMI, NATO Activity in the Aegean Sea), as well as in the multinational military formation in Bulgaria. Additionally, Greece hosts several allied facilities, such as the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps (NRDC-GR), the Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center (NMIOTC), the Crete Firing Installation (NAMFI), the Athens Multinational Sealift Coordination Centre (AMSCC), the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center (MPSOTC), and the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Centre of Excellence (IAMD CoE).

Greece also contributes to the air policing mission in Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, while as a pre-eminent naval power, it provides assets and capabilities to the Alliance's Standing Naval Forces and has established, among other initiatives, two High Readiness Maritime Forces HQ (GRMARFOR HQ and Allied Multinational Maritime – South East).

The port of Alexandroupolis is used by the Alliance for the rapid and efficient transport of forces, assets, and fuel. This highlights Greece's multifaceted strategic significance. With infrastructure that already makes it a supply hub for the Balkan countries with natural gas, Greece contributes to the energy diversification and the opening up of new energy routes.

In the field of technology, Greece participates in the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) and in the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), hosting Test Centers. Greek institutions are also part of the DIANA network.

Since Russia began its full-fledged invasion to Ukraine, Greece maintained a clear and unwavering stance: It condemned Russian revisionism and supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Greece has assisted refugees, including many with Greek origins. Despite the adverse effects, Greece fully implements international sanctions against the aggressor, providing both humanitarian and defense aid to Ukraine.

Furthermore, Greece continuously contributes to enhancing political dialogue and practical cooperation between NATO and its partner countries, especially those in the Southern Neighborhood and those participating in the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. It also promotes the strengthening of NATO-EU relations, in a way that such cooperation is mutually beneficial, respects the decision-making autonomy of both Organizations, rejects any type of exclusion, includes full transparency towards all member states, and recognizes the distinct role and capabilities of each Organization.