The PASOK party has launched a sharp critique of the Greek government’s approach to NATO, arguing that Greece continues to shoulder a disproportionate share of defense spending within the Alliance—without translating that financial contribution into meaningful political influence. Meanwhile, Turkey, according to PASOK, is consistently upgraded in its standing inside NATO.
A Disproportionate Burden Without Political Return
PASOK contends that recent developments at the NATO summit in Ankara confirm a strategic deficit in Greece’s policy toward Turkey. While Greece consistently ranks among the top spenders on defense in the Alliance, it remains—PASOK claims—‘at the back of the decision-making line,’ failing to leverage its position in service of national interests.
‘Paying Like a Champion, Represented Like an Observer’
Kostas Tsoukalas, PASOK’s spokesperson, made these remarks on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, during an interview on ERTnews Radio 105.8. Speaking about outcomes from the NATO summit held in Ankara, he stated that Greece ‘pays like a champion in NATO for its obligations—but is represented like an observer.’ He described the resulting picture as deeply concerning.
Despite significant investments in defense equipment—which PASOK says it has consistently supported—the party argues that Turkey is steadily enhancing its geopolitical role: hosting the summit, pushing for greater participation in NATO’s defense industry, and maintaining its casus belli against Greece.
‘Turkey Is Upgraded, Greece Pays’
Tsoukalas stressed that the critical question is not only how much Greece spends on defense—but what political return it receives. He noted that Turkey remains viewed by the Alliance as an indispensable strategic partner, while Greece appears treated as a default ally—reaping no commensurate diplomatic or industrial benefits.
‘The key question is whether we are being upgraded—or whether Turkey is,’ he said pointedly.
He also highlighted developments around Turkey’s KAAN fighter jet program and its pursuit of F-35s, suggesting a clear shift in U.S. posture in Ankara’s favor—an evolution, he warned, that should seriously concern Athens. At the same time, he expressed hope that the U.S. Congress would maintain its reservations on matters involving Turkey.
Criticism of Government Diplomacy
Tsoukalas also criticized the government’s handling of Greco-Turkish relations at the European level. He recalled that, ahead of the most recent European Council, the European Parliament—on the initiative of the Socialists and PASOK—adopted a resolution condemning Turkish provocations. He argued that the Prime Minister missed an opportunity to incorporate that resolution into the Council’s official conclusions.
‘As long as you don’t raise the issues, the impression is created that Greece isn’t reacting,’ he concluded.