The swift response by Greece, France, Italy and Spain in sending military forces to protect the Republic of Cyprus is a powerful example of European autonomy and steadfast solidarity, President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said on Friday evening in Hamburg.
Speaking at the Matthiae Mahl ceremony in the presence of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Costa referred to developments in the Middle East and the broader geopolitical challenges facing the European Union, warning that retaliatory actions by Iran and its proxies undermine international security.
Attack in Cyprus undermines peace
“The war in the Middle East is of the utmost concern. Iran is responsible for the root causes of this situation. But unilateralism can never be the path forward. And the retaliation by Iran and its proxies across the region, with attacks against many of its neighbours, including Cyprus, a member state of the European Union, undermines international peace and security.
“The rapid response from Greece, France, Italy and Spain, sending military forces to protect Cyprus, is a powerful example of European autonomy and steadfast solidarity,” he stressed.
Costa also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, warning of the risks of further escalation.
“We must avoid further escalation. Such a path threatens the Middle East, Europe and beyond,” he added.
Diplomacy 'only sustainable solution'
He further stressed that the EU stands with the Iranian people and supports respect for their rights.
“We believe their human rights and freedoms must be fully respected. We support their right to live in peace and determine their own future,” he said.
Costa added that diplomacy remains the only sustainable solution to the crisis, stressing that protecting civilians, ensuring nuclear safety and respecting international law are essential to preventing wider regional and global consequences.
In the early hours of 2 March, a Shahed-type drone struck military facilities at the British Bases in Akrotiri, at the southern tip of Cyprus, causing minor damage amid regional turmoil following US–Israeli strikes on Iran.
The Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle, believed to be linked to Hezbollah operating in Lebanon, prompted heightened security measures. Several countries, including Greece and France, said they were deploying warships, aircraft and other air-defence assets to help shield Cyprus. The United Kingdom also announced the dispatch of a warship.
Nicosia has reiterated that it has no involvement in the wider Middle East conflict.