Cyprus' Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has met with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, and the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, in Brussels, where he conveyed Nicosia’s "clear disagreement" with Turkey’s participation in the SAFE Regulation.
Describing these meetings as very important, the Minister had the opportunity to brief the two Commissioners on the progress of the Republic of Cyprus’s preparations ahead of its assumption of the EU Presidency, as well as to clarify Cyprus’ position regarding Turkey’s participation in SAFE. Additionally, they exchanged views and discussed various issues high on the agenda, such as EU security and defence matters.
In statements after the 15 October meetings, the Minister said regarding the discussion on the SAFE instrument that "we clearly emphasised our views on the SAFE Regulation and, at the same time, expressed some concerns about certain behind-the-scenes efforts to include Turkey in this Regulation."
"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 emphasise 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, adding that 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."
Allocated funding
Regarding the funding allocated to Cyprus under SAFE, the Minister mentioned approximately €1.2 million over a five-year period. "I believe that with this funding, we will have the opportunity to further strengthen our defence capabilities and, of course, enhance our deterrent power," he added. "We are a peaceful state. We are a state that has a duty and obligation to protect its citizens and people from the dangers that exist, not only from Turkey and the occupied part of Cyprus but also from other situations arising in the region," and therefore, "we will try, always within the framework of fiscal balance and public finances, because SAFE is linked to the public finances of the member states, and in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, to maintain these balances, while at the same time strengthening our defence and maintaining good GDP performance."
Asked about priority defence issues, the Minister acknowledged that defence and security matters are now high on the EU’s agenda. "Within this priority set by the EU, we clearly and unequivocally stated that the EU must fully realise that it needs to stand on its own feet and rely on its own forces regarding issues concerning the security of member states, and should not rely solely on NATO but also on the Union itself regarding these issues." Palmas also reiterated Cyprus’s position on common European defence, the European army, and all matters concerning the security of the Union of 27.
Most popular weapon systems
Regarding the 360° approach already requested by the Greek Prime Minister at the informal Copenhagen Summit, the Minister acknowledged that drones are the most popular weapon systems currently available on the planet and in the market, "and we, not only as the Republic of Cyprus but as the EU, must adapt to the new conditions and data and become pioneers in this weapon system, which we must modernise as much as possible to serve as a shield for the protection of the member states of the Union and their sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Regarding the Commission’s focus on the Eastern Flank, without reference to the Southeast Flank, Minister Palmas emphasised that Cyprus "fully understands the fears and concerns of various EU member states regarding the threat from Russia, and at the same time, we highlighted the problems and political and geopolitical fluidity in the Eastern Mediterranean, where a member state of the Union, namely the Republic of Cyprus, must have an upgraded role to play a leading part in the situations arising in the region."
The Minister added that Cyprus’ role has been very important and crucial in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in the region over the past period. "I think Europeans have understood that Cyprus can play an upgraded role, and I believe they will invest in this direction," he said.
Regarding the new closer cooperation among Defence Ministers at the level of the 27, the Minister called for "not limiting ourselves to parallel monologues or, if you will, adapting the interests of the Union according to the national interests each of us has, and I would say that we must move from theory to practice to see the overall interests and security of the member states."
(Source: CNA)
