European Council President António Costa wrapped up a two-day tour with stops in Athens and Nicosia, where both Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stressed that countries threatening EU member states cannot benefit from Europe’s new defense initiative, SAFE.
Mitsotakis in Athens: “No role for those who threaten members”
After talks in Athens, Mitsotakis delivered the sharpest warning, insisting that “in a European defense architecture, countries that threaten EU members with war cannot take part.”
In a pointed reference to Turkey, he said it was up to neighbors to build “good-neighborly relations with Europe” based on respect for its fundamental principles. In a pointed reference to Turkey, Mitsotakis said it was up to such countries to build “good-neighborly relations with Europe, provided they respect its fundamental principles.” He also backed the creation of a common European financing mechanism for defense investments.
He further highlighted rising migration pressures on Crete after a long lull, urging “full EU support for frontline states,” and condemned what he called the “unacceptable violation of Qatar’s sovereignty” while warning against any further escalation in Gaza.
Costa, for his part, praised Greece’s “impressive recovery” over the past decade and its pivotal role as a “bridge between Europe and the Middle East,” while backing joint EU-level financing for defense as a prerequisite for effective security.
Cyprus EU Presidency “at a critical moment”
Meeting Costa at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Christodoulides said Cyprus’ assumption of the rotating EU Presidency in just over 100 days “comes at a very critical moment for Europe.” He pledged that Nicosia would act as an “honest broker” on files such as the EU’s next long-term budget, competitiveness and security.
Christodoulides welcomed new EU defense initiatives, including SAFE, as opportunities both to strengthen Cyprus’ deterrent capacity and to advance the Union’s strategic autonomy. He confirmed that Cyprus will submit proposals by November to fully utilize more than €1 billion earmarked under SAFE.
The Cypriot president also reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressed the island’s role as the EU’s representative in the Middle East, and briefed Costa on efforts to restart UN-backed reunification talks.
Costa: Clear rules for SAFE
Wrapping up his visit, Costa emphasized that SAFE is open only to third countries that do not threaten EU members: “States that attack or endanger the security of a member cannot be allowed to use SAFE,” he said. He also hailed Cyprus’ maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza and its geostrategic importance for Europe.
Looking ahead, Costa urged the EU to “spend not just more, but better” on defense, strengthen migration policy, cut bureaucracy and deepen the single market. “We rely on Cyprus to bring Europe closer to the Mediterranean and the Middle East,” he concluded.
Sources: Euronews, CNA