Giannis Maniatis proposes excluding Turkey from EU defense programs

Giannis Maniatis, Vice President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and PASOK MEP, has submitted 32 amendments to the European Parliament regarding the implementation of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy.

The proposals call for the exclusion of Turkey from European defense programs and related funding as long as it continues to challenge the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus, maintains a casus belli against Greece, and occupies Cypriot territory. Maniatis argues that respect for international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity must be a prerequisite for third-country participation in the European security architecture.

Additionally, the amendments propose: - Stricter enforcement of EU rules on arms exports, including halting any military equipment transfers that could be used against another EU member state. - Enhanced protection for critical energy infrastructure, specifically mentioning the Great Sea Interconnector. - Increased security measures for the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean regions. - Expansion of military mobility corridors to cover the entire European territory, with special focus on the southern and southeastern wings and island regions.