| France and Israel have been collaborating on defense technology for decades - it was France that helped Israel become a nuclear power [0]. There are similar collaborations with Czechia [1], Estonia [2], Lithuania [3], Romania [4] and Germany [5]. Additionally, Israel has a defense pact with Greece and Cyprus to protect them against Turkish aggression [6], which is more than what other EU states are providing to Greece and Cyprus. This is why Israel is a critical part of the EU's multilateral defense fabric - Eastern Mediterranean and CEE EU member states are already close partners with Israel. [0] - https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000271219.pdf [1] - https://www.czdefence.cz/clanek/cesko-izraelska-spoluprace-v... [2] - https://vm.ee/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/Israel%2... [3] - https://www.gov.cy/proedros-proedria/koini-diakiryxi-tis-10i... [4] - https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/romania-b... [5] - https://www.iai.co.il/israel-aerospace-industries-announces-... [6] - https://www.gov.cy/proedros-proedria/koini-diakiryxi-tis-10i... |
1.) not all cee countries are pro-israel. Especially Poland as the biggest country there is rather anti - Israel. 2.) Most European countries and almost eu countries are part of NATO. Thus Greece is protected by Article 5. In addition there is Article 42 from the EU. In a.potential Cyprus - Greece - Turkey Eu has more to offer than Israel military wise.