Cyprus’ Defence Minister, Vasilis Palmas, met in Brussels with European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, and the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, where he conveyed Nicosia’s firm opposition to Turkey’s participation in the SAFE Regulation.
Describing the meetings as “very important,” Palmas said he had the opportunity to brief the two officials on Cyprus’ preparations for its upcoming EU Council Presidency, and to outline Cyprus’ clear position regarding the proposed inclusion of Turkey in the EU’s Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (SAFE).
“We clearly emphasized our views on the SAFE Regulation and expressed concerns about certain behind-the-scenes efforts to include Turkey,” said the Minister after the meetings.
No clear answers
"We expressed our clear disagreement on this issue and explained the reasons for our opposition. We made it clear that a country that either occupies part of the territory of a Member State or threatens Member States with belligerent approaches cannot be funded or supported," added the Minister.
"Of course, I want to be clear and honest: we have not received clear answers on this issue. However, I must emphasize and focus on the statement made about ten days ago by António Costa, President of the European Council, who clearly stated that a third country that threatens or is potentially, if you will, an enemy of EU member states cannot be funded or participate in this Regulation," the Defence Minister stressed.
Palmas added they also discussed "specific issues regarding the Republic of Cyprus’ assumption of the EU Council Presidency, and we expressed our confidence in the successful Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus."
Cyprus to receive €1.2M in SAFE funding
On the funding side, Palmas confirmed that Cyprus is set to receive approximately €1.2 million over five years through SAFE. He described the funding as a step toward strengthening national defence and deterrence capabilities, emphasising that Cyprus remains a peaceful country with the right and responsibility to protect its people.
“We face not only the ongoing threat from Turkey and the occupied part of the island but also broader regional challenges.
SAFE is linked to public finances, and we will work in consultation with the Ministry of Finance to maintain fiscal balance while enhancing our defence posture.”
Calls for greater EU defence autonomy
Palmas underlined that defence and security issues are now a top priority at the EU level. He reiterated Cyprus’ long-standing support for a common European defence strategy, including the development of a European army and increased EU autonomy in defence.
“The EU must stand on its own feet and not rely solely on NATO. Security of the Member States must also be ensured by the Union itself.”
He also backed the recent 360° defence approach proposed by the Greek Prime Minister at the Copenhagen Summit, particularly in relation to modern threats such as drone warfare.
“Drones are the most prevalent weapons systems globally. The EU must become a pioneer in this field, modernising and deploying these systems to defend Member States’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Strategic focus
While acknowledging the legitimate concerns of Member States on the Eastern Flank, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine, Minister Palmas emphasised the need for equal focus on the Southeastern Flank.
“We fully understand the security concerns about Russia, but we also highlighted the geopolitical volatility in the Eastern Mediterranean, where an EU Member State - Cyprus - can and must play a leading role.”
He pointed to Cyprus’ active contribution to humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts in the region as evidence of its strategic value to the EU.
“Europeans are beginning to recognise Cyprus’ potential to play an enhanced role. I believe this will be increasingly reflected in future policy.”
Finally, Palmas stressed the need for genuine coordination among EU Defence Ministers, urging them to move beyond national priorities and act collectively.
“We cannot afford parallel monologues or selective adaptation of EU priorities to national agendas. We must move from theory to practice, and focus on the common security and defence interests of all Member States.”
CNA