Germany does not currently plan to provide any additional military contribution to Cyprus or the eastern Mediterranean, a spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defence said, explaining that the decision results from coordination with allies rather than hesitation or lack of interest.
Berlin emphasises coordination with allies
Defence Ministry spokesperson Natalie Jenning reiterated that “Germany does not currently plan any additional military contribution beyond the existing ones” in relation to Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.
She said that coordination efforts always take into account the “overall picture”.
According to Jenning, the fact that a new security hotspot has emerged in the region does not mean that existing priorities have become less important.
Focus on NATO’s eastern flank
Germany’s military focus, she said, remains on its commitments on the eastern flank of NATO.
Jenning referred to the presence of Bundeswehr forces in defence initiatives in Poland, Romania, Lithuania and the northern region, underlining that Germany continues to prioritise these deployments.
“This is therefore not a matter of reluctance or indifference, as is sometimes presented in the media,” she said.
“It is the result of the close coordination we are carrying out. There is a form of division of labour, as some partners have already pledged assistance to Cyprus, for example the French.”
EU mutual assistance clause not activated
From the German Foreign Ministry, spokesperson Martin Giese noted that Cyprus is not a member of NATO, meaning that support would normally be provided under Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union, the EU’s mutual assistance clause.
However, he clarified that the clause has not been activated, as Cyprus has approached several EU partners bilaterally and assistance is already on its way.
He referred to the Greek frigates and fighter jets deployed to Cyprus, as well as the French frigate already sent to the region. France, he added, is also considering the possibility of sending its aircraft carrier.
“I therefore believe that the situation is not as dramatic as it is sometimes presented, in terms of the defence of Cyprus,” he said.
German frigates in the region
Responding to a question about the presence of two German frigates in the wider area, the Defence Ministry spokesperson said she could not provide details.
She noted, however, that the vessels contribute to the overall monitoring of the situation.
“We will keep our eyes and ears open and will of course share with our partners the information we have regarding developments,” Jenning said.
Source: ANA-MPA