11 Dec. Turkey - Greece conflict: German submarines must not be used against EU states
In view of the tensions in the eastern Mediterranean region, 53 MEPs from Germany and Greece have sent a joint letter to Chancellor Angela Merkel calling on her to immediately suspend the export of submarines, submarine parts and related maintenance services to Turkey. Manuela Ripa, MEP of the Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP), supports this important call as a member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defense.
We cannot allow weapons manufactured in Germany to be used against EU states.
"In view of the tense situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey's illegal, provocative behaviour towards EU member states - especially Greece and Cyprus - Germany must immediately stop its arms exports to Turkey," emphasizes Manuela Ripa. "This demand is based in particular on the resolution of the EU Parliament of September 17, 2020, to suspend all European exports of military equipment to Turkey. We cannot allow weapons manufactured in Germany to be used against EU states."
The background to this is the controversial exploration voyages by Turkish ships for gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean. The signatory MEPs fear that submarines manufactured in Germany will be used in the conflict.