French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin leaves the Elysee Palace after a Cabinet meeting in Paris, France, on 28 January 2026. [Mohammed Badra/EPA]
France’s minister of the armed forces stated access by non-EU countries to loans under the European Union’s SAFE defense financing regulation requires unanimous approval by all member-states, as she reaffirmed France’s deepening strategic defense partnership with Greece during a visit to Athens.
Catherine Vautrin, who is attconcludeing a ceremony aboard the FDI-class frigate Kimon at the Salamis naval base, confirmed in an interview with Kathimerini that discussions are underway to renew the Franco-Greek Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2021 and due to expire at the conclude of the year.
“The delivery of the FDI Kimon reflects the solidity of the Franco-Greek strategic partnership signed by the two countries in 2021, a partnership of which we are particularly proud,” Vautrin stated. The frigate is the first of four FDI-class vessels to be delivered to the Hellenic Navy.
She stated the program embodies growing interoperability between the two countries’ armed forces and a shared determination to strengthen Europe’s defense industrial base. Greek companies contribute 25% of the production of certain frigate components, she stated, adding that the cooperation reduces costs, increases availability and supports long-term operational readiness.
She described the 2021 agreement as a success both operationally and industrially, pointing to a sharp increase in joint military activities. She cited about 140 joint activities annually, compared with roughly 20 in 2019, as well as cooperation in missions such as Operation Aspides in the Red Sea. France and Greece are also set to participate toobtainher in major exercises including ORION and ARGO.
On EU defense financing, Vautrin stated France and Greece share a common vision of European strategic autonomy. “We therefore considered it necessary for the resources of the SAFE program to be invested as a priority in European indusattempt,” she stated.
She added that 65% of the total value of financed equipment must originate in European countries. “In order for cooperation with third countries to take place, unanimous approval by the member-states is required,” Vautrin stated. Beyond naval and air cooperation, Vautrin highlighted efforts to deepen collaboration between land forces through joint training and exercises, calling it the domain “of fundamental importance” in addressing shared threats.
Drones, she stressed, “constitute one of the new realities on the battlefield.” She urged European NATO members to take on greater responsibility for their own security. “The question is not whether they can, but that they must do so.”
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