I've said this before, and I will say it again now in view …

During the Greek crisis, anti-German feelings about the Berlin-led push for austerity were mostly expressed by the fringes (radical left + extreme right). Now what is seen from Athens as Berlin's clear alignment with Ankara is turning even the fiercest pro-EU centrists indignant.

The Greek PM is patient, methodical and values the good relationship he has built with the German Chancellor. Even if vexed, he would not pull a Varoufakian threatening gamble. But Berlin would be wrong to take this as a sign of tacit acceptance of its support for Ankara.

The European project is based on the understanding of a shared purpose, binding values and common interests. Right now — especially after what has been conceived by many Greeks as a punishing round of austerity imposed on it — Greece feels that EU does not exemplify any of these.

Germany's kowtowing to Turkey, eagerly supported by few EU MS with significant economic ties to Ankara, is alienating a vast portion of Greeks, across ideological lines, from the EU. Contrary to the debt crisis, this is conceived as a primary threat to its national sovereignty.

Even mainstream newspapers, respected academics and centrist journalists in Greece are today drawing parallels between the German stance today and what happened during the two Great Wars of the 20th century. The anger and feeling of betrayal is very real, and quite widespread.

Germany's stance on Turkey is precipitating a new arms-race for Greece, at a time when it is exiting a decade-long crisis and entering a new COVID-induced one. EU is no longer seen as a reliable ally, which is why Athens is starting to look elsewhere to forge strong defense ties.

I once thought Merkel's leadership of gradually-built compromises would leave Europe stronger and more united than before. Her legacy, however, could now be defined by an over-weight compromise with both authoritarians like Erdogan and the foundational principles of the EU alike.

More than a set of bureaucratic institutions, the EU is an idea. An imperfect project, yes. But one that is constantly evolving, while remaining true to its foundational principles. French leadership seems to get this. German leadership seems to have completely forgotten it.

Greece will not always be lucky to have a serious, competent and fervently pro-EU Prime Minister. In fact, for most of its modern history, the opposite was the case. I would not be surprised if after Mitsotakis some new populist leader capitalizes on Berlin's stance twrds Athens.

If the European Union collectively (and Germany as its de facto leader) cannot take a firm stance when some of its Member States are clearly, continuously and deliberately threatened, I am afraid that this amazing peace project has a much shorter life span than I ever imagined.

I've said this before, and I will say it again now in view of the #EUCO meeting: not even at the peak of the Greek financial crisis was there such a strong anti-German momentum growing in #Greece. Berlin's decision to continuously shield Ankara is waking up long-forgotten wounds.

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