Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias participated on Thursday, 12 February 2026, in the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers held in Brussels, at what he described as a critical juncture for the Alliance and for democracies worldwide. During the session of the NATO, Dendias briefed his counterparts on the ongoing modernization of the Hellenic Armed Forces under Greece’s comprehensive reform framework, “Agenda 2030,” as well as on the development of the multi-layered defence concept known as the “Achilles’ Shield.” He also highlighted the role of the Hellenic Center for Defence Innovation (ELKAK) in strengthening domestic defence production and technological advancement.

In his remarks upon arrival, Dendias emphasized Greece’s strong commitment to collective defence, noting that the country’s defence spending exceeds 3% of GDP and, when broader related expenditures are included, approaches—or even surpasses—5%. He underlined that this reflects the sacrifices of the Greek people and demonstrates Greece’s reliability as an Ally.

On the sidelines of the ministerial, Dendias held bilateral meetings with French Minister for the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin and Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov. Discussions with France focused on deepening strategic defence ties and accelerating the renewal of the bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement on Defence and Security, while talks with Bulgaria addressed further strengthening regional defence cooperation.

A day earlier, Dendias had also participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) under the framework of the European Union, where ministers exchanged views on the EU Defence Readiness agenda, the 2026 Strategic Review, and broader geopolitical developments, including the war in Ukraine and its implications for European security.