Nikos Dendias calls for pan-European defense and 360-degree security

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has called on the European Union to adopt a ‘360-degree’ security policy, emphasizing that threats to European stability originate not only from the North but also from the South. Speaking at the EU Defense Ministers' meeting in Brussels, Dendias highlighted critical instabilities in the Middle East, specifically mentioning the Hormuz Strait and Bab el-Mandeb.

Dendias also addressed the need for accelerated development of pan-European defense capabilities and infrastructure. He noted that the Russian invasion of Ukraine served as a ‘wake-up call,’ necessitating rapid improvements in military mobility and the creation of dual-use infrastructures. He proposed the ‘Achilles Shield’ model, which integrates land, sea, air, cyber, and space defenses, as a potential framework for European security.

During his visit, Dendias met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto to discuss bilateral cooperation regarding European defense architecture. He further characterized Turkey as a significant threat to Greek security and urged the EU to provide the necessary resources to address diverse regional challenges, including those posed by failed states and instability in North Africa and the Levant.