Greek MEP Giorgos Aftias delivered a strong message in the European Parliament, urging EU leaders to halt funding to Turkey if Ankara continued to threaten Greece….

During the plenary debate on the European Union’s Multiannual Budget for 2028–2034, Aftias stressed that financial support to Turkey had to remain conditional. He said the EU should reduce funding intended for Ankara every day Turkey threatened Greece, and he highlighted what he described as a firm stance from members of the Economic Committee.

Lawmakers incorporated this position into the draft budget framework, Aftias said, which emphasised respect for the principle of neutrality. He argued that countries engaging in hostile actions or threats against EU member states should not receive European funds.

Aftias also pointed to growing concern within the European Parliament over repeated regional tensions and stressed the need to strengthen European border security. He said Greece’s borders effectively functioned as the borders of the European Union, underlining their strategic importance.

He added that border security carried particular value and said Greece continued to face ongoing provocations. The report placed equal importance on safeguarding EU external borders and reinforced Greece’s frontline role, he said.

Beyond security issues, Aftias welcomed the strong social focus of the proposed EU budget and said lawmakers included ten key provisions relating to Greece. These measures supported small and medium-sized enterprises, households, agriculture, and island and mountainous regions.

He also highlighted continued funding for key sectors including health, education, housing, and initiatives addressing Greece’s demographic challenges.

Concluding his intervention, Aftias reaffirmed his position and said Greece would not tolerate Turkey’s daily threats. He insisted that financial consequences should follow and thanked fellow members for supporting both the security and social priorities in the budget framework.