The EU has the capabilities to move forward on security and defence issues without cooperation from the United States, argued President Nikos Christodoulides at the defence conference DEFEA in Athens on Tuesday.
Christodoulides added, at the same time, that the Republic of Cyprus is ready to become a member state of NATO "when political conditions allow”.
“The development of defence, the upgrading of our country’s deterrent capability, and the support of the Cypriot defence industry constitute a top priority for our government,” he said.
Cyprus ready for NATO
During his address, President Christodoulides countered the view of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that the EU cannot move forward on defence and security issues without the cooperation of the United States.
“This is a position with which I disagree. The EU has the capabilities, it has demonstrated political will, and ultimately I believe that a stronger, strategically autonomous EU in matters of security and defence will also be a stronger partner for NATO in addressing the challenges we face.
“And I say this while also taking advantage of the presence of the Deputy Secretary General of NATO to note that my country, the Republic of Cyprus, is ready to become a member state of NATO when political conditions allow,” he said.
Autonomous Europe
“I believe in our national defence industries. I believe in a Europe that must act united, with determination and ambition, and that can become autonomous in the field of defence and security,” he added.
Christodoulides also underlined that in a time of uncertainty and conflict, where peace is becoming fragile, defence preparedness is a key prerequisite for ensuring security and stability, which are not linked only to defence and security matters but also to the economy and investments.
“Beyond these, Cyprus, my homeland, has a particularity. Cyprus continues to be under Turkish military occupation, and it is very well known – we experience it firsthand – what is at stake. We deeply understand the importance of strengthening our defence and security, as well as our country’s resilience, and more broadly in today’s international environment, that of Europe and the wider region,” he said.
Political decisions taken
The President welcomed the fact that the political decision at the European level has been taken to make substantial investments in defence and security as a necessary precursor to achieving strategic autonomy.
He described the informal European Council decisions taken in February 2025 in Brussels as a turning point in that regard.
“Quite simply, a Europe that does not invest in its defence and security is a Europe that depends on others. And dependence cannot be a strategic choice if we want – and yes, we do want – to be geopolitically strong,” he said.
Christodoulides made special reference to the mutual assistance clause under the Treaty on European Union, Article 42(7), arguing it must be translated into a concrete, functional operational mechanism. For this reason, a clear “blueprint” has been agreed for the immediate and effective activation of Article 42(7), so that it becomes fully operational and readily usable by every Member State, he said.
Source: CNA