Europe is turning a new page in defense and geostrategic power, with Greece’s role at the center of attention. In his exclusive interview with “Parapolitika,” published Saturday, December 6, with Kostas Papachlimitzos, the head of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, discusses the need to create a European “NATO,” his support for Mitsotakis’ proposal for a European “air shield” and Turkey’s participation in the SAFE program.
Manfred Weber to “Parapolitika”: “I stand with Greece on SAFE” (Video)
Manfred Weber makes it clear that the burden of European defense cannot fall solely on the shoulders of Greek and Polish taxpayers, while explicitly stating that on the SAFE issue he stands “absolutely on Greece’s side.”
“Generally speaking, you know that for the first time in EU history, Europe as a whole is investing in military spending. This is a huge change and I want to go further. I believe we really need a European defense pillar. We need something like a European NATO, so we can become independent. We want a strong relationship with America, there’s no doubt about that. But we see that Washington is no longer as clear as it used to be. And that means we must be ready to defend ourselves alone if necessary. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, together with Donald Tusk, proposed an “air shield,” meaning an anti-missile defense shield for the EU on its eastern side, at the borders with Turkey and also facing Belarus, to protect our eastern border. And this makes sense. But if we do it, it’s not just about the cost for the Greek taxpayer or the Polish taxpayer. It’s a matter of all Europeans funding such investments on our eastern borders. This logic is needed now and that’s why we need the European Defense Pillar” he stated characteristically.
He added: “I am absolutely on Greece’s side. Greece gives us a clear picture that we have set certain criteria. If Turkey wants to participate, it must comply with them.”
Watch an excerpt from the interview with video on parapolitika.gr and read the full interview in the print edition of “Parapolitika” newspaper on Saturday, December 6:
