On the second day of his state visit to Greece, President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to the European Union’s mutual defence clause, stating that Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union remains a “solid and credible” guarantee in the face of evolving security threats.
Speaking alongside Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Athens, Macron emphasized that the clause — which obliges EU member states to provide aid and assistance by all means in their power if one is the victim of armed aggression — had been invoked only once before, following the 2015 Paris attacks, and remains a cornerstone of European solidarity.
His remarks came amid heightened regional tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, where disputes over maritime boundaries and energy resources have strained relations between Greece and Turkey, a NATO ally but not an EU member. Macron did not name any specific threat but underscored that the EU’s collective defence mechanism is designed to deter aggression and ensure a unified response.
The French president also announced plans to deepen defence cooperation between France and Greece, including joint military exercises and enhanced interoperability between their armed forces, particularly in naval and air operations. He noted that France has increased its military presence in the region in recent years, deploying Rafale fighter jets and frigates to support allied missions.
Macron’s visit, which began on October 26, includes talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and a visit to a naval base in Souda Bay, Crete, where French and Greek forces conduct regular training exercises. The trip underscores Paris’s strategy of strengthening bilateral ties with key Mediterranean partners to reinforce EU strategic autonomy in defence.
No joint statement was issued following the Macron-Sakellaropoulou meeting, and neither side disclosed details of any new defence agreements. The Greek government has not publicly commented on the substance of the discussions beyond confirming the presidential meeting took place as scheduled.
