EU nations veto Turkish drone purchase for Ukraine, highlighting allegiance to European production

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The Bayraktar TB2 drones were scheduled to be bought for the Ukrainian army with funds from the European Union's Peace Fund. This purchase was to be part of larger consignments of Turkish defence products, aimed at promptly addressing Ukraine's requirements by the EU.

The drone purchase, as reported by the French service Opex360, was thwarted by these three nations. In a meeting of the Political and Security Committee of the European Union, France, Greece and Cyprus vetoed the purchase, arguing that EU funds should strictly be used to buy defence products - ammunition and military equipment - that are produced in EU nations.

In a discussion with Politico, a French diplomat underlined that it's about "Europeanness" and smarter, meaning rational and efficient, usage of EU funds.

The Cypriot edition of the Greek newspaper Kathimerini notes, "This is not the first instance where these three countries have taken a joint stand on similar initiatives."

In general, Greece champions an independent, Europe-focused defence and policy that prioritises the advancement of the European defence industry, an anonymous diplomat is quoted saying in the paper.

A Greek diplomat stated that the veto carries with it "both geopolitical and economic implications". However, he highlighted in a conversation with the newspaper, "We do not want our taxpayers' money to bolster the Turkish defence industry."

Source: Opex360, Kathimerini