Marco Rubio is coming to Athens and bringing with him, according to reports circulating behind diplomatic scenes, a multi-billion-euro bill.
On the table of contacts with the government lies not only the 6th round of the Greece, US Strategic Dialogue, but also the demand from Washington for concrete Greek decisions on defense procurements.
Defense is expected in any case to constitute a core subject of the talks between Marco Rubio, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Giorgos Gerapetritis.
The behind-the-scenes reality, as described, is far more demanding than just another high-level visit.
The American side reportedly wants commitments right here and now rather than vague promises about future purchases.
The logic is simple: Greece has ahead of it a major modernization and reinforcement program for its Armed Forces, and Washington wants a substantial slice of that pie.
The problem for the Maximos Mansion is that a new large order of American systems would arrive at a time when society is strained by the cost of living.
On the other hand, rejecting or postponing an American package is not a simple commercial decision, given that Athens wishes to keep its strategic relationship with Washington high.
The Prime Minister thus faces a difficult political and diplomatic puzzle.
Greece already has an approved defense program amounting to 28 billion euros, while the government has declared that it will continue to bolster the Armed Forces.
The question now is how much of the next major arms package will be directed toward the US and how much room Athens will leave for European and other choices.
www.bankingnews.gr
Readers’ Comments