EU Leaders Emphasize Defense Spending as Complementary to NATO, Not a Replacement
French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have reiterated that the European Union's efforts to enhance its defense capabilities are not intended to replace the NATO alliance. Instead, these efforts are a response to the United States' longstanding call for Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. Macron emphasized that Europe should not act to weaken NATO but should strengthen its role within the alliance. The leaders met in Athens to renew a defense partnership between France and Greece, which includes a mutual assistance clause in case of an armed attack. This partnership involves a significant defense procurement agreement, including the purchase of Rafale fighter jets and state-of-the-art frigates from France. 
