Greece Resists EU Sanctions on Shipping

Greece is blocking a proposed European Union sanctions package that would restrict EU-flagged vessels from transporting Russian liquefied natural gas. The move, which surfaced this week, highlights the tension between Athens' commitment to supporting Ukraine and the protection of its domestic maritime industry, which accounts for approximately 60 percent of the EU fleet.

The proposed measures aim to curb Russian energy revenue, yet Greece argues the policy would disproportionately penalize its shipping sector. This economic friction follows recent security concerns, including the discovery of a Ukrainian naval drone in Greek waters, which prompted Athens to demand assurances that its territory would not become a theater for military operations. Despite these tensions, Greece has contributed 1.3 billion euros in aid through EU channels and is actively participating in Ukrainian infrastructure reconstruction projects.

The Greek government remains cautious regarding further military integration, specifically regarding joint drone manufacturing, citing fears of Russian hybrid warfare and potential retaliation. With a general election approaching by early 2027, officials are prioritizing the mitigation of risks related to Russian misinformation and infrastructure vulnerability. While the port of Alexandroupolis continues to serve as a critical logistics hub for Western military aid, Athens maintains an incremental approach to defense cooperation to balance its geopolitical obligations with national security and economic stability.