European defence is not a choice but a strategic necessity, said Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, in his opening remarks during the first session of the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers on Tuesday, adding that the European Union’s credibility as a security actor depends on our ability to act with unity, determination, and a long-term strategic vision.
According to the Minister of Defence, Nicosia serves as a vivid reminder that peace, security, and respect for international law are not self-evident, but require constant vigilance, unity, and political will.
‘We are in a period of heightened geopolitical challenges and evolving threats. War on the European continent, instability in our European neighbourhood and in the Middle East, hybrid threats, as well as developments that challenge the fundamental principles of the international legal order, make it necessary to further strengthen European defence readiness and our strategic cohesion,’ he continued.
‘European defence is not an option, but a strategic necessity. The European Union’s credibility as a security actor depends on our ability to act with unity, determination, and a long-term strategic vision. I am confident that today’s consultations will be substantive, with a clear focus and results that benefit the security of the Union and its citizens,’ he concluded.
For her part, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said it is important that the EU Ministers meet in Cyprus, adding that ‘it is important that we also show full solidarity with Cyprus and its people’.
She also welcomed the new Hungarian, Danish and Bulgarian defence ministers, who took over their duties recently.
‘We have a busy agenda today. We have three discussion items. First on support to Ukraine and then maritime security and also a working lunch on the European security strategy. I hope that we can cover all of them’, she concluded.