Over the past few years, a growing number of European countries have shown interest in playing a more significant role in the Indo-Pacific region. The European Union’s Indo-Pacific strategy in 2021 was largely driven by France, Germany, and the Netherlands, with other EU member states previously showing little interest in events in this distant area.
However, this perception is changing rapidly, particularly with Italy actively engaging in the Indo-Pacific. Greece has recently turned its attention to the Indo-Pacific and has the potential to become a key player in the region.
With the longest coastline in the EU, Greece has maximized its geographic advantage to become the world’s largest ship-owning nation, with shipping contributing significantly to its GDP. Greece not only participates in international maritime security endeavors but also influences the EU’s maritime security agenda.
Greece boasts a strong naval presence within the EU, with a significant naval modernization effort approved in 2022. Greece leads the EU’s Red Sea mission, showcasing its maritime capabilities and its interest in expanding its influence in distant regions.
Greece sees the Indo-Pacific as an opportunity to bridge Europe and Asia and strengthen its strategic ties with India, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and commitments to increasing cooperation in the region.
In addition to India, Greece is exploring partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, including with Japan, and aims to deepen its relations with the United States through enhanced defense cooperation agreements.
Greece’s participation in the Indo-Pacific reflects its commitment to an inclusive approach, even as it maintains positive ties with China. The China-Greece partnership continues to grow, demonstrating that engaging in the Indo-Pacific does not preclude cooperation with Beijing.
With Greece hosting the Our Ocean Conference soon, the country is eager to expand cooperation with Indo-Pacific nations and play a more active role in shaping regional connectivity initiatives. Regional countries have the opportunity to capitalize on Greece’s increasing alignment and engagement in the region.