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Despite strong objections from Greece and Cyprus, the European Union is moving forward with plans to involve Turkey in new European defense programs. That’s because decisions on this issue will be made using a "qualified majority vote" – meaning not every member state has to agree, just a large enough majority. This system overrides the need for unanimous approval, which Greece and Cyprus were hoping would block Turkey’s participation.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias expressed his disapproval, warning that Europe can’t protect itself if it allows what he called a potential "enemy" inside its defense system – clearly referring to Turkey. But Greece’s complaints haven’t stopped the process.
The idea of involving Turkey has been floated for months. EU leaders – including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz – have reportedly told Greece that Europe needs to boost its military strength and that it makes sense to include Turkey, a NATO member with a powerful army, especially given current tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Most EU countries think excluding Turkey would be unwise. Only Greece and Cyprus are strongly opposed, and they're finding it hard to gather support within the EU to block the move. Greek diplomats were sent across Europe to try to rally support for unanimous decision-making instead of majority rule – but with little success so far.
Greece has pointed to a specific EU treaty article that suggests new deals with countries like Turkey should be decided unanimously. But legally, the defense decisions can be made by majority, so their argument may not hold.
A final version of the agreement is expected soon, and formal approval could come at a key EU meeting on May 27. Talks are still ongoing, and EU negotiators are trying to iron out differences before that date. But unless there’s a major shift, Turkey looks set to join the EU’s defense initiatives – whether Greece and Cyprus like it or not.
