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France and Greece to Renew Defence Pact for Another Five Years
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 19, 2026
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France and Greece will extend their 2021 mutual defence pact by five years, allowing automatic renewal thereafter. The renewal coincides with Macron’s April 24–25 visit to Athens amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and regional maritime security concerns.
France and Greece Extend Defence and Security Pact for Five More Years
Renewal of Bilateral Security Agreement Amid Regional Tensions
Background of the France-Greece Security Pact
ATHENS, April 19 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Greece next week to renew a security pact between the two countries against the backdrop of the war in Iran, a Greek government official said on Sunday.
France and Greece, long-standing NATO allies, signed a security and defence agreement in 2021, which required them to come to each other's aid if attacked and included the purchase of three French-made frigates and around 24 Dassault-made Rafale fighter jets by Athens.
Details of the Upcoming Renewal
Macron's Visit and Agreement Extension
Macron's visit to Greece on April 24-25 will renew the agreement for a further five years, with an automatic renewal thereafter, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Additional Topics on the Agenda
Macron and the Greek government will also discuss maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz, the official added.
Strategic Maritime Concerns
Strait of Hormuz Developments
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was at a standstill on Sunday after Iran reasserted control over the strategic waterway, days before a fragile ceasefire with the United States was set to expire.
Greece's Role in EU Naval Operations
Red Sea Mission Leadership
Greece leads the European Union's naval mission charged with protecting ships in the Red Sea but has opposed engaging in any military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
(Reporting by Angeliki KoutantouEditing by Christina Fincher)
Key Takeaways
- •France and Greece originally signed the pact on September 27, 2021, which includes a mutual aid clause and a major arms procurement deal.
- •Macron’s April 24–25 visit will extend the pact for five more years with automatic renewal, demonstrating deepening strategic ties.
- •The renewal occurs amid escalating regional instability, especially Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy and maritime security.
Frequently Asked Questions about France and Greece to renew defence pact for another five years
1What is the main purpose of the France-Greece defence pact renewal?
The renewal strengthens security cooperation between France and Greece, requiring mutual assistance if attacked, and addresses current geopolitical tensions.
2When will French President Emmanuel Macron visit Greece to renew the pact?
Emmanuel Macron will visit Greece on April 24-25 to renew the defence agreement.
3What military equipment did Greece acquire under the original defence pact?
Greece purchased three French-made frigates and around 24 Dassault-made Rafale fighter jets under the original agreement.
4How does the pact address maritime security concerns?
The renewed pact will include discussions on maritime security, especially concerning the Strait of Hormuz and broader naval protection.
5What is Greece's stance on military operations in the Strait of Hormuz?
Greece leads the EU's Red Sea naval mission but has opposed engaging in military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
