The General Director of National Defence Policy and International Relations of the Ministry of National Defence, Dr. Konstantinos Balomenos, held a working meeting on Wednesday 21 September 2022, with the Ambassador of Luxembourg to Greece, Ms. Elisabeth Cardoso.
The main focus of the discussion was the strengthening of bilateral defence relations between Greece and Luxembourg and the assessment of the security environment in Europe, the Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, as it was shaped after the latest geopolitical developments in the wider region.
During the meeting, the excellent bilateral level of Greek-Luxembourg Cooperation in all areas was first commended by both sides.
The main axes of the discussion were:
• The deepening of bilateral defence relations between Greece and Luxembourg.
• The impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the EU’s broader geopolitical environment.
• The security situation in the Western Balkans, Central Europe and the wider Mediterranean region as it was shaped after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• The current state of Greece-Turkey relations, Turkey’s destabilising role in Southeast Europe, and how it affects the overall EU stability and security.
• The EU’s overall attitude and perception of the Balkan region.
• The assessment of the current and future energy situation in the EU, as shaped after the Ukraine crisis.
• The refugee crisis and the migration crisis, as a major problem for the EU and in connection with Turkey’s involvement.
• The broader geopolitical and geostrategic challenges facing the EU.
• The analysis of common bilateral and security challenges as a member of the EU and NATO.
• NATO’s level of involvement in the crisis situation in Ukraine.
Dr. Balomenos analysed the problems and possible consequences of the Ukrainian crisis in the EU, both in terms of energy and security.
The General Director and Madam Ambassador also commented jointly on Turkey’s relations with the EU, emphasising its destabilising role.
In addition, its revisionist policy against Greece through the use of hybrid strategies such as the instrumentation of migration, as well as the increase of violations of the Greek National Airspace (FIR of Athens) by Turkish drones (BAYRAKTAR ATR UAVs) was highlighted.
It was concluded that the strong diplomatic and economic axis between Greece and Luxembourg within the EU is a pillar of stability, both bilaterally and at European level.
