The concentration of European naval forces in the eastern Mediterranean to protect Cyprus marks the start of a new phase for European defence, according to former European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas. He described the current developments as the “birth certificate” of a future Europe of defence, with Cyprus at the centre of this process.
Speaking on the radio programme “Defteri Matia” on Politis 107.6 & 97.6, Schinas argued that EU member states are demonstrating in practice that when one country of the European family is threatened, others move quickly to support it.
As he noted, the military activity recorded in the region in recent days represents “the first chapter of a future European defence identity”.
According to Schinas, crises have historically acted as accelerators of European integration. The current crisis in the wider Middle East region, combined with the mobilisation of European forces around Cyprus, could gradually lead to more institutionalised and automated forms of European solidarity in the field of security.
Cyprus and NATO
The former European Commission Vice-President, who is now associated with the Atlantic Council think tank, also said Cyprus should apply to join NATO as a next step toward strengthening stability in south-eastern Europe.
Speaking on Wednesday at a conference organised by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the auspices of the Cyprus EU Presidency Council, Schinas said there would likely not be a better opportunity for Cyprus to submit such a request and that it would be difficult for anyone to oppose it.
President Nikos Christodoulides was asked on Thursday evening about Schinas’ suggestion during an interview with Alexis Papachelas on the Greek television channel SKAI, and responded positively.
The President said the Republic of Cyprus would submit an application to become a NATO member state “even tomorrow if it were possible”.
“At this moment it cannot happen because the political conditions do not allow it, taking into account Turkey’s well-known position,” he said.
At the same time, the Republic of Cyprus is continuing preparatory work “at the military level, operational level and administrative level”, so that the country will be ready to apply for NATO membership when political conditions allow it.
Speaking again on Politis 107.6 & 97.6, Schinas said Cyprus’ accession to NATO would bring the transatlantic relationship closer to the Middle East.
Regarding the possibility of a Turkish veto, he noted that in politics “nothing is impossible until it happens”, emphasising that timing and circumstances are crucial.
He also suggested that a swift application by Cyprus to join NATO could place those who might attempt to block it in a difficult position.
Schinas also welcomed the positive stance expressed by President Nikos Christodoulides toward the idea.
As the geopolitical reality in the region continues to evolve, Cyprus appears to be emerging as a key point both for shaping European defence and for the broader security balance in the eastern Mediterranean.
According to Schinas, these developments may represent only the first step in a deeper strategic transformation of Europe.