Greece to Almost Double Defence Spending Amid Tensions with Turkey
Parliamentary Debate Expected to Culminate Sunday
ATHENS: Greece will almost double its defence spending with a parliamentary debate on the 2025 state budget expected to culminate Sunday and a roll-call vote, traditionally regarded as a vote of confidence in the government.
Increase in Equipment Deliveries
As announced, spending for the defence ministry will rise to €6.1 billion (US$6.5 billion) from €3.6 billion, due to the increase in equipment deliveries in 2025.
Government Priorities
“Compared to 2019, by 2025, spending on health will have increased by 74% and spending on defence by 73%, underlining the government’s priorities”, minister of economy and finance Kostis Hatzidakis said late November when he submitted the state budget for 2025 to parliament.
Major Opposition Parties Support Increased Defence Spending
The major opposition parties, PASOK and SYRIZA as well as the Hellenic Solution party, have said they will vote in favour of the increased defence spending.
Defence Minister’s Statement
Nikos Dendias, the defence minister, told parliament on Saturday that the spending is essential because of the challenges the country faces, especially from its historic rival Turkey.
Challenges and Threats
“Is this spending too much? Whoever is positioning themselves on this needs to explain on what criteria they are considering. Is the country threatened? And where is the main threat to the country coming from?” he said, noting that Turkey spends €26.8 billion on armaments. Greece spends around 3% of its annual economic output on defence, higher than most EU states, mainly because of long-running tension with Turkey.
Armed Forces Shortfall
Greek armed forces had a €20 billion shortfall during the country’s decade-long debt crisis, Dendias said in November, when he announced a shake-up of the defence forces to sideline older weapons in favour of drones after lessons drawn from Ukraine’s war against Russia.
Radical Overhaul
Among the main changes in the radical overhaul is the creation of an anti-air and anti-drone defence dome covering the whole of Greece.
Prime Minister’s Announcement
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Sunday morning in a social media post that he will present measures concerning the banking sector in a speech Sunday evening.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Greece’s decision to almost double its defence spending is a significant move amid ongoing tensions with Turkey. The government’s priority on defence spending is reflected in the increased budget allocation, and the major opposition parties have expressed support for the move. The radical overhaul of the defence forces is aimed at addressing the country’s historical rival and ensuring its national security.
FAQs
Q: Why is Greece increasing its defence spending?
A: Greece is increasing its defence spending due to the challenges it faces, especially from its historic rival Turkey.
Q: What is the current defence spending in Greece?
A: Greece spends around 3% of its annual economic output on defence, higher than most EU states.
Q: What are the main changes in the radical overhaul of the defence forces?
A: The main changes include the creation of an anti-air and anti-drone defence dome covering the whole of Greece, and the sidelining of older weapons in favour of drones.