European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed the EU's commitment to safeguarding Greece's territorial integrity, responding to a parliamentary question from S&D MEP Yannis Maniatis. In her written reply, von der Leyen stressed that Turkey must respect international law and refrain from provocative actions against EU member states, including airspace violations and challenges to Greek maritime boundaries. She did not announce new punitive measures but referenced ongoing diplomatic monitoring and the expectation of peaceful dispute resolution, potentially through the International Court of Justice.
This statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey has made aggressive claims on Greek maritime zones. Maniatis had pressed the Commission to counter these challenges and questioned their compatibility with the EU's 'positive agenda' with Ankara. Von der Leyen's response underscores the EU's balanced approach, prioritizing regional stability and defence autonomy over direct confrontation.
The Commission's stance aligns with broader EU defence initiatives. On April 20, 2026, Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius urged the European Parliament's ITRE Committee to boost defence production, warning that Russia outpaces the EU in output of missiles and artillery. He advocated for the Defence Readiness Omnibus, first proposed on April 15. That same day, Kubilius clashed with MEP Wouter Beke over EU defence autonomy, with Kubilius urging reduced dependence on US technology amid a potential US drawdown.
Earlier, on April 17, Kubilius proposed a new treaty for a European Defence Union including the UK, Norway, and Ukraine, citing legal hurdles in existing EU treaties. He also launched the first EU-Japan Defence Industry Dialogue, pledging supply chain cooperation and announcing a Security of Supply Board established earlier in 2026. On April 15, the Commission invested €1.07 billion in 57 defence projects under the European Defence Fund, and Kubilius clarified criteria for the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative.
Von der Leyen's reply references reinforcing EU defence industrial sovereignty through European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs), which pool capabilities and strengthen technological readiness. This follows an April 14 debate where EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot and MEPs clashed over defence financing priorities, and an April 10 speech by Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez defending the EU project. The Commission's approach echoes Kubilius' April 7 defence of EU defence policy, navigating treaty limits and sovereignty concerns after his call for a 100,000-strong European army.
Looking ahead, the Commission will continue monitoring tensions and coordinating with member states, balancing diplomatic pressure on Turkey with support for Greece's security and EU defence autonomy.