In a clear signal about shifting responsibilities within NATO, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered a major policy address from Ankara on Wednesday (July 8, 2026), stressing that European countries can no longer treat their defense as a matter delegated to third parties. He noted that Donald Trump — already during his first term and ‘in his own distinctive way’ — had raised the need for Europeans to assume greater responsibility for their own security. And, Mitsotakis added, ‘he was absolutely right.’
A New Era for NATO
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the broader debate over the European Union’s strategic autonomy have fundamentally changed the terms of engagement. According to Mitsotakis, European nations now recognize that strengthening NATO’s European pillar is not merely a political choice — it is an ‘undeniable priority’ and a ‘condition for the Alliance’s very survival.’
Greece’s Defense Commitment
The prime minister highlighted Greece’s concrete contribution: based on official 2026 data, Greece is among only five NATO members that have already surpassed the 5% target for defense spending as a share of GDP. In other words, as he put it, ‘Greece is already where other European countries hope to be by 2035.’ This statement encapsulates Athens’ position — not just seeking recognition for its expenditures, but demanding political weight commensurate with its contribution.
U.S. Commitment to NATO
Mitsotakis categorically dismissed any scenario of U.S. withdrawal from NATO. ‘I do not believe there is any possibility whatsoever that the United States will leave NATO,’ he stated, pointing out that Trump, in his closing remarks at the summit, expressed satisfaction with the evolving climate and with Europe’s response to the call for increased defense investment.
According to the Greek premier, the Alliance has entered a ‘new era’ — one that does not mean less NATO, but rather more European responsibility within NATO.
Greek F-35s and Turkey’s Obstacles
Mitsotakis also addressed Greece’s acquisition of the F-35 fighter jets, confirming that Greek pilots will begin training on the aircraft in 2027. The planes are already under production, and the procurement process is effectively underway.
While declining to comment on other countries’ defense choices — emphasizing it is not Greece’s role to advise the U.S. on whom to sell arms to — Mitsotakis made a factual observation: significant legal barriers currently exist in U.S. law preventing Turkey from acquiring the F-35. He recalled that Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program was directly linked to its purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defense system — a platform viewed by both NATO and the United States as fundamentally incompatible with Alliance interoperability and security standards.