Greek-Hungarian defense talks highlight EU’s ReArm criteria, strategic cooperation, and protection of Christian populations in the Middle East.
On May 5, 2025, Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias welcomed his Hungarian counterpart, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, at the Ministry of National Defence in Athens as part of an official visit aimed at deepening bilateral defense ties and addressing strategic challenges in Europe and the Middle East.
The meeting began with a private discussion between the two ministers, followed by extended talks involving delegations from both nations. Joint press statements and a working lunch followed the diplomatic engagements.
Present at the talks were Deputy Minister of Defense Thanasis Davakis, Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff General Dimitrios Choupis, Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Dimitrios – Eleftherios Kataras, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Lieutenant General (I) Ioannis Kotsakis as representative of Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Lieutenant General (I) Demosthenes Grigoriadis, Director General of the General Directorate of Defense Armaments and Investments (GDDIA, GDAEE) of the Ministry of National Defense Major General Ioannis Bouras and Director General of the General Directorate of National Defense Policy & International Relations (GDNDPIR, GDPEADS) of the Ministry of National Defense, Ambassador a.h. Michael Spinellis.
Key points of the discussion included expanding Greek-Hungarian defense cooperation, developments in the European defense industry, and security concerns both regionally and globally.
During the press briefing, Minister Dendias emphasized the need for deeper cooperation within both NATO and the EU frameworks, underlining shared democratic values and mutual interests. He also highlighted the Greek minority in Hungary as a bridge of friendship between the two peoples.
A significant part of the dialogue focused on the European Commission’s ReArm initiative and SAFE regulation. Minister Dendias stressed the importance of strict eligibility criteria for EU defense funding, arguing that support must be limited to defense industries from countries that align with EU values and common security policy—and certainly not to those threatening member states.
“We believe that defense remains the core of national sovereignty, and decisions in this field must be unanimous within the EU,” Dendias stated. He reiterated that proposals like ReArm are moving in the right direction but must ensure that EU financial support does not indirectly empower hostile or non-aligned regimes.
Another focal point was the protection of Christian communities in the wider Middle East, particularly in Lebanon and Syria. Dendias noted the shared interest and past cooperation between Greece and Hungary on this issue, referencing Szalay-Bobrovniczky’s upcoming visit to Lebanon.
The ministers also discussed their nations’ participation in NATO, the future of the Alliance, and potential joint defense industry ventures. Hungary’s strong presence at the upcoming DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens was welcomed by Dendias, who expressed hope for closer industrial collaboration. He referenced an existing Memorandum of Understanding between the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Material Association (SEKPY) and Hungary’s MSV, aimed at facilitating future cooperation.
Dendias closed his remarks on a personal note, recalling his childhood admiration for Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskás, who once coached Greek team Panathinaikos: “From a young age, I developed admiration for Hungary.”
This high-level visit marks a continued effort to solidify Athens–Budapest relations, reinforcing the EU’s path toward greater strategic autonomy and joint action on global defense and humanitarian concerns.