Spain and China Are Getting Closer — and Many in the EU Are Not Happy

Countries across Europe are making their own security deals instead of working together as a group. Greece recently signed a huge defence agreement with Israel, while other nations are forming small alliances outside the European Union. This worries EU and NATO leaders, who say Europe needs to stand united. Threats from Russia and other nearby powers are growing stronger.

Greece feels very threatened by its neighbor Turkey. A political analyst named Nick Malkoutzis says Greece sees Turkey as a constant and serious danger to its safety and independence. In the past, the United States helped settle arguments between Greece and Turkey, since both are NATO members. But today, many NATO insiders say the US seems much less involved in European diplomacy.

To protect itself, Greece signed a major deal with Israel in late August called the 'Achilles Shield' agreement. This deal gives Greece Israeli technology to defend against drones, aircraft, and missiles. It is one of the biggest defence deals in either country's history. Many Greeks have long supported the Palestinian cause, but the reaction to this deal has been quieter than many expected.

Experts say most Greeks agree that keeping safe from Turkey is the country's top priority. Greece also hopes that partnering with Israel — a close US ally — will help maintain good ties with Washington. At the same time, Greece wants to be seen as a loyal and active member of the EU. Balancing all of these relationships at once is very challenging.

Finland faces a similar challenge in deciding how to stay safe while being a good EU partner. One analyst says Finns have a practical, unsentimental way of thinking when it comes to hard security decisions. Like Greece, Finland is trying to protect its own interests while also contributing to Europe's shared defence goals. Both countries show how difficult it is to balance national needs with group commitments.

Forming smaller groups inside Europe is not a new idea. The 'E3' group of the UK, Germany, and France was created in 2003 to manage talks with Iran about nuclear weapons. Nordic and Arctic countries also cooperate on regional defence issues. The 'Visegrad Four' — Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia — has long been an important pressure group within the EU.

However, NATO and EU leaders are worried that too much small-group activity is pulling Europe apart. They say Europe faces dangers not seen since the end of World War Two, with Russia acting aggressively and China watching closely. These leaders believe that Europe splitting into smaller groups will only benefit its enemies. Their message is simple: Europe must act as one strong, united front.