The Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, referred to the current geopolitical situation and recent developments on a global scale, with a view to strengthening the EU's defence capabilities, as well as the objectives of the Cyprus Presidency to strengthen the Union's Common Security and Defence Policy, in his speech at the opening ceremony of the European Union Military Committee.
This was in the context of the Republic of Cyprus's assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, with the event taking place in Brussels on 15 January.
According to an announcement by the Ministry of Defence, the National Guard Chief said that the Presidency builds upon a clear and shared vision, an autonomous European Union through security, defence readiness, and preparedness, aiming at a stronger Union, firmly committed to cooperation, multilateralism, and international law.
“Strategic autonomy does not mean isolation. It means responsibility and ability to act decisively when required in defence of our shared values. In this context, the Cyprus Presidency supports initiatives to strengthen defence cooperation, improve capability development, enhance interoperability, and promote more coordinated and efficient defence investments. European security is indivisible. The security of one Member State is the security of all. This fundamental principle must continue to guide our collective efforts”, he further noted.
He added that the Presidency places strong emphasis on strengthening the EU’s defence readiness and military resilience, including improving its ability to anticipate threats, deter aggression, and respond rapidly and decisively when required. It also requires closer alignment between political decision-making and military planning, ensuring that realistic and deployable capabilities align with and are able to achieve strategic objectives.
“Cyprus, as a Member State situated at the external borders of the Union, at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, experiences first-hand how regional instability directly affects European security. Our geographic position highlights an essential reality: Europe’s security does not stop at its borders”, continued Theodorou.
He added that, as a state highly impacted and still suffering the effects of an illegal invasion, Cyprus’ support for Ukraine remains an integral element of Europe’s security posture. “The defence of Ukraine is directly linked to the defence of fundamental principles: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for international law. Unity, consistency, and resolve are essential to maintaining Europe’s credibility and security”, he added.
“The Armed Forces of the Republic of Cyprus remain fully committed to supporting the Union’s security and defence objectives. Guided by professionalism, responsibility, and respect for international law, we stand ready to contribute to collective efforts that promote peace, stability, and security”, he continued.
“At the same time, we understand deeply the value of dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and partnerships based on mutual respect. We firmly believe that the European defence effort remains complementary to existing frameworks. Close cooperation with NATO is of great importance for our collective defence, and a stronger European defence contributes to a stronger NATO. These two pillars are complementary, not competing. The cooperation should be based on the three Joint Declarations, respecting the principles of inclusiveness, reciprocity, transparency and decision-making autonomy of both organizations”, he further noted.
“In this environment, the role of the European Union Military Committee is more vital than ever. Sound military advice, strategic foresight, and coherence between political ambition and military capability are essential if the Union is to act with credibility, unity, and effectiveness. No single Member State, regardless of size or capability, can face these challenges alone. This is the time to recall Robert Schuman’s timely wisdom in the 1950 Declaration, reminding us that ‘world peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it’”, said Theodorou in closing.
“The challenges before us are significant, but so is our shared responsibility. Through cooperation, strategic clarity, and military credibility, we can strengthen the European Union’s ability to protect its citizens and uphold its values. I wish the EU Military Committee every success in its important work”, he concluded.
According to the Ministry, speeches were given on the sidelines of the ceremony by the Chairman of the Military Committee, General Seán Clancy, and the Permanent Military Representative of Cyprus, Colonel Constantinos Constantinou, while audiovisual material was shown on the capabilities and actions of the National Guard.
(Source: CNA)
