Greece in NATO

The year 2022 marked the 70th anniversary of Greece’s accession in 1952 to the North Atlantic Treaty (1949). Its participation in the Alliance has been a central element in shaping Greece's post-war foreign and defense policies.

Since then, Greece, committed to upholding and respecting International Law, the United Nations Charter, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, has remained a stable and reliable ally, demonstrating its enduring constructive role as a responsible and trustworthy partner on every occasion. Especially in the current fluid international security environment, Greece's contribution to shaping the political-military purposes of the Alliance is significant.

Greece is one of the few allied countries that meet both the 2% of GDP target for defense expenditures and the commitment of allocating 20% of the 2% for the modernization of military capabilities. It also consistently contributes to NATO's operations, missions, and activities (e.g., Operation Sea Guardian, KFOR, NMI, NATO Activity in the Aegean Sea), as well as in the multinational military formation in Bulgaria. Additionally, Greece hosts several allied facilities, such as the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps (NRDC-GR), the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center (NMIOTC), the NATO Missile Firing Installation (NAMFI), the Athens Multinational Sealift Coordination Centre (AMSCC), the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center (MPSOTC), and the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Centre of Excellence (IAMD CoE).

Greece also contributes to the air policing mission in Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Moreover, as a naval power, it provides assets and capabilities to the Alliance's Standing Naval Forces and has established, among other initiatives, two High Readiness Maritime Forces HQ (GRMARFOR HQ and Allied Multinational Maritime – South East).

The port of Alexandroupolis is used by the Alliance for the rapid and efficient transport of forces, equipment, and fuel, highlighting Greece's multifaceted strategic significance. With infrastructure that already makes it a supply hub for the Balkan countries in terms of natural gas, Greece contributes to the energy diversification and the opening up of new energy routes.

In the field of technology, Greece participates in the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) and in the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), hosting Test Centers. Greek institutions are also part of the DIANA network.

Since Russia began its full-fledged invasion to Ukraine, Greece maintained a clear and unwavering stance: condemning Russian revisionism and supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Greece has assisted refugees, including many with Greek origins, and fully implements international sanctions against the aggressor, providing both humanitarian and defense aid to Ukraine.

Greece consistently supports the Open Door Policy, believing that the Alliance benefits from the accession of new members that are willing to contribute to the Euro-Atlantic security and respect NATO’s principles and values. In this context, Greece assists the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of countries that are willing to take the necessary steps and meet the conditions for such accession.

Furthermore, Greece continuously contributes to enhancing political dialogue and practical cooperation between NATO and its partner countries, especially those participating in the Mediterranean Dialogue and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. It also promotes the strengthening of the NATO-EU relations, provided such cooperation is mutually beneficial; respects the decision-making autonomy of both Organizations; it is based on the unconditional respect for the principle of inclusiveness; ensures full transparency vis-à-vis all Member States; and recognizes the distinct role and capabilities of each Organization.