Greece deepens strategic ties with US, eyeing role as NATO bridge

During a recent visit by the U.S. Secretary of State, Athens underscored its expanding alliance with Washington, portraying Greece as an indispensable NATO partner. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stressed a strategy that treats ties with the United States separately from those with the European Union, favouring the "super-power" for security and economic benefits. The government has promoted American-backed energy initiatives, increased defence spending with an 80-20 split toward U.S. weapons, and concluded a $4 billion arms agreement.

Greek facilities at Souda and Alexandroupoli have been made available to U.S. forces, supporting operations near Ukraine and Iran. This alignment also seeks to counter Turkish actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, including a contested Greece-Cyprus cable project, while avoiding direct references to Turkey in public remarks. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio praised Greece’s role, highlighting its importance for American regional interests.