Small states can play a disproportionately important role in European defence through innovation, flexibility and the development of specialised technological solutions, it was underlined at a workshop organised by Cyprus’ Ministry of Defence in Brussels as part of the country’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, according to a press release by the Ministry.
The Defence Ministry said that within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, it has organised a workshop on small states’ defence industry and the role of small and medium-sized enterprises and their cooperation with Ministries of Defence.
The event took place with the participation of military representatives of the EU Member States, as well as representatives of the EU’s institutions.
The keynote speaker was Dr Panagiotis Hatzipavlis, Director of Armaments and Defence Capabilities Development at the Ministry of Defence, who referred to the strategic value of small states and small and medium-sized enterprises for strengthening the EU’s Defence Technological and Industrial Base, the press release notes.
During the workshop, it said, it was emphasised that small states can play “a disproportionately significant role” in European defence through innovation, flexibility and the development of specialised technological solutions. Emphasis was placed on the importance of supply chain resilience, cross-border industrial cooperation, and closer links between the Armed Forces’ operational requirements and defence research and development.
According to the press release, Dr Hatzipavlis also presented the dynamic growth of Cyprus’ defence ecosystem, recent institutional reforms within the Ministry of Defence, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the domestic defence industry, with a focus on areas such as unmanned systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and advanced materials.
It is noted that the workshop was part of the broader efforts of the Cyprus EU Presidency for enhancing Europe’s defence readiness, strategic autonomy and industrial resilience, while actively supporting the promotion and further development of Cyprus’ defence ecosystem.
(Source: CNA)
