The institutional “filter” of the U.S. , the sanctions and the conditions for the return of Turkey to the F-35 program.
At a time when the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East is being redefined, the issue of U.S. defense supplies to Turkey is once again at the center of international debate. Deputy Foreign Minister Tassos Hatzivassiliou clearly outlined the framework within which Washington is operating, noting that decisions on critical weapons systems are not solely a matter of political will, but are linked to specific institutional procedures and legal obligations. At the same time, he highlighted Greece’s growing role as a factor of stability and a reliable ally, both within NATO and in regional developments, emphasizing the importance of Greece’s presence in matters of defense, security, freedom of navigation, and European strategy.
“Any defense procurement from the U.S. to Ankara must be approved by Congress,” emphasized Deputy Foreign Minister, Tassos Hatzivassiliou, speaking on Thursday morning on ERTNews, where he highlighted both the institutional framework of the sanctions law that continues to bind Turkey on the issue of the F-35s, as well as Greece’s enhanced role in regional developments and the future of the Middle East.
The Congressional Filter
Mr. Hatzivassiliou, responding to a question regarding the remarks by U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance, made it clear that even if there is political will in Washington for defense cooperation with Turkey, “there is the filter of Congress,” while Ankara must first fulfill specific legal and institutional obligations arising from the enacted sanctions regime.
Speaking about the country’s international footprint, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, as Greece serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, has taken the lead on critical issues in the Middle East, ranging from the humanitarian situation in Gaza to broader developments in the region. As she emphasized, our country has proven itself to be a reliable partner and ally, having stood by Cyprus and Bulgaria with defense assistance, while also responding to the needs of its Arab partners during difficult times, underscoring that our country has a positive and broad geopolitical footprint.
Mr. Hatzivassiliou also referred to Operation “Aspides” in the Red Sea, noting that currently only Greece and Italy are operating within this framework. He emphasized that our country, as a maritime power with a global commercial footprint, has every interest in defending freedom of navigation, adding that, once the U.S.-Iran war ends, free passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be ensured.
The goal
He also placed particular emphasis on Greece’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027, noting that as of July 1, Greece will join the Trio of consecutive presidencies alongside Ireland and Lithuania, assuming a specific role and voice. As he noted, Athens’ goal is to conclude the discussion on the Multiannual Financial Framework by the end of 2026, so that its ratification can be completed in 2027. “Our goal is to secure funding for cohesion, the CAP, fisheries policy, infrastructure, and critical projects—for every sector that contributes to the development of our country,” he emphasized.
Mr. Hatzivassiliou also clearly outlined the political stakes for the coming period, insisting that a strong and self-reliant New Democracy government, with Kyriakos Mitsotakis as prime minister, is the best guarantee that the country will negotiate effectively in Europe and secure the greatest possible benefit for Greek society and the economy: “Citizens will be called upon to choose the person who will preside over the European Council, the person who will negotiate European development policy, and the person who will fight for resources,” he said, emphasizing Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s superiority in this area.
