On Saturday, April 25, 2026 French President Emmanuel Macron travelled to Athens for a high-level diplomatic meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Their meeting culminated in the signing an overarching agreement called the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Greece and France.
Encompassing a variety of critical sectors like defence and security, higher education, technology, and innovation, the strategic partnership deepens diplomatic and strategic ties between Greece and France. It includes:
Defense and Security Cooperation – Crucial for Greece’s geopolitical security, the two countries renewed their five-year defense agreement, first signed in 2021. The agreement includes a mutual assistance clause guaranteeing support in the event of a direct threat to either country’s sovereignty.
Foreign Affairs Roadmap – A diplomatic roadmap will align the Greek and French foreign affairs ministries to ensure coordinated engagement on international issues.
Education and Lifelong Learning – a Joint Declaration of Intent between the two nations’ education ministries aims to expand bilateral vocational education, training and lifelong learning networks.
Higher Education and Research – Greek and French academic institutions will also deepen their scientific research and higher education ties through a dedicated Action Plan that spans from 2026 to 2030.
Nuclear Technology – The Greek Ministry of Development and the French Ministry of Economics, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty also signed a declaration to collaborate strategically in the nuclear technology sector.
Digital Ocean Systems – Greece and France are establishing a new intergovernmental organization dedicated to the development and management of advanced digital ocean systems and shared maritime information services.
Defense and Military Technologies – Both nations declared their intent to jointly pursue cutting-edge research, development, and innovation in advanced defense and military systems.
Missiles Support – Bolstering Greece’s immediate defense capabilities, the Greek Ministry of Defense signed a framework agreement and a 2026 implementing contract with MBDA France for the continuous operational support of MICA IR/RF missiles, used in the Hellenic Airforce’s fleet of Rafale and Mirage 2000-5 fleet of fighter jets.
The two leaders also visited the French-built Belharra class Frigate Kimon that was docked at the port of Piraeus, and attended the Greece–France Economic Forum, organized by the SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises and the French-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
At the Roman Agora, the two leaders sat down for a moderated discussion with Kathimerini Executive Editor, Alexis Papahelas, on the challenges that lie ahead for Europe’s future. See the (English language) video below.
