The Mitsotakis government’s foreign policy has led Greece into an unprecedented crisis of geopolitical credibility, with serious consequences for national interests, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The policy of appeasement towards Turkey, the signing of the Declaration of Friendship and Cooperation, tolerance of Turkish provocations, Turkey’s participation in the European Union’s SAFE program, developments in Libya, the retreat on the issue of the Kasos Cable, the abandonment of the Monastery of St. Catherine of Sinai, and the weakening of diplomatic relations with the US and Russia paint a picture of strategic failure.
Policy of appeasement: Retreating in the face of Turkey
The Mitsotakis government’s policy toward Turkey is characterized by an unjustifiable attitude of appeasement, which undermines national dignity and sovereign rights. The signing of the Declaration of Friendship and Cooperation in 2023, which was presented as a means of de-escalation, has not yielded any substantial benefits. On the contrary, it has reinforced Turkish intransigence, as evidenced by Turkey’s stance across the spectrum of national issues, where it has not backed down from its claims.
Athens’ choice to favor “open channel” diplomacy over the decisive defense of national interests has been interpreted by Ankara as a sign of weakness, encouraging further provocations, such as the recent commitment of part of the Aegean for Turkish exercises.
Turkish-Libyan Memorandum and Libya: Diplomatic Failure
The handling of the Turkish-Libyan memorandum is a prime example of the failure of Greek diplomacy. Despite Greece’s protests at the UN, General Haftar’s recent rapprochement with Turkey, with meetings in Ankara in 2024 and the possibility of the memorandum being ratified by the Eastern Libyan Parliament, underscores the absence of an effective strategy. Greece has failed to maintain strong ties with Libya, allowing Turkey to strengthen its geopolitical influence and claim maritime rights that violate the Greek EEZ. This development constitutes a strategic defeat with long-term consequences.
Kasos Cable: Concession of National Territory
The government’s decision to “freeze” the construction of the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection cable following Turkish threats constitutes a serious retreat. Kasos, an island of critical geostrategic importance, has become the scene of Turkish provocation, with Greece choosing to avoid escalation rather than defend its sovereign rights. This decision not only weakens strategic cooperation with Cyprus and Israel but also sends a message of weakness to allies and adversaries.
Monastery of Saint Catherine: Abandonment of Greek Heritage
The lack of a meaningful response to the issue of St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, where the historical presence of Hellenism is being challenged, reveals the government’s indifference to the protection of cultural and religious heritage. The monastery, a symbol of Greek Orthodoxy, is left unprotected, reinforcing the image of a Greece that is unable to defend its historical identity.
SHAFE and European Defense Policy: Undermining Greek Interests
Turkey’s participation in the EU’s SHAFE program is a serious blow to Greek diplomacy. The Mitsotakis government has failed to prevent Turkey from receiving European funds, despite its constant threats against Greece. The absence of a decisive response or veto undermines Greece’s credibility within the EU and allows Turkey to establish itself as a “partner” despite its aggressive stance.
Diplomatic Isolation: US and Russia
The government’s foreign policy has led to diplomatic isolation. The non-existent relationship with the Trump administration leaves Greece without influence in the US, while Erdogan cultivates close relations with the American president. At the same time, the rift with Russia, especially after the crisis in Ukraine, has weakened Greece’s geopolitical position. The one-dimensional policy, at a time when the US president is talking to Putin, without balancing it with other powers, limits the country’s flexibility and makes it vulnerable.
Strategic Implications and National Risks
The Mitsotakis government’s foreign policy threatens national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The conciliatory stance towards Turkey encourages Ankara’s aggression, while the failure in Libya, the retreat in Kalodi Kasou, and the abandonment of the Monastery of Saint Catherine undermine national dignity. The absence of strong international alliances and the lack of influence in the EU reinforce the image of a Greece that is unable to defend its interests.
The risks for the future are serious: Turkey continues to claim Greek territories and maritime rights, while Greece remains isolated internationally. The country’s geopolitical credibility has been irreparably damaged, and continued inaction risks leading to irreversible losses.
Conclusion
The Mitsotakis government’s foreign policy is characterized by strategic missteps that undermine national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the future of the Greek nation. The Declaration of Friendship with Turkey, tolerance of Turkish provocations, failure in Libya, retreat in Kalodion Kasou, abandonment of the Monastery of St. Catherine, and diplomatic isolation from the US and Russia constitute a policy that does not respond to the challenges of the times. Greece needs a decisive, multidimensional foreign policy that will defend national interests, strengthen international alliances, and restore its geopolitical credibility.
by Dimitris G. Apokis*
*Dimitris G. Apokis is an international relations expert specializing in US foreign policy, geopolitics, and international economics. He is a graduate of The American University, School of International Service, and The Johns Hopkins University, The Paul H. Nitze, School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC. He is a member of The International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. As a journalist, he was an accredited correspondent at the White House, the State Department, and the US Pentagon for many years.
