Mitsotakis calls European support for Cyprus a “gamechanger” after regional tensions

Piraeus, Greece. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Saturday that European support provided to Cyprus during recent regional tensions was a “gamechanger,” describing it as a collective response to security threats against a member state.

Remarks during visit to frigate Kimon

Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to the frigate Kimon in Piraeus, Mitsotakis said, “we supported Cyprus at the time of threat, what we did with Cyprus was a gamechanger,” and added that the response showed Europe’s ability to act in practice.

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He said the intervention reflected a broader commitment to collective defence, stating: “We put into practical application Article 42.7, on common defence, we need to take this article much more seriously.”

Deployments after drone strike

The comments follow the deployment of Greek naval and air assets to Cyprus in March after a drone hit the British base of Akrotiri in Limassol.

The frigate Kimon remained in Cypriot waters for more than 40 days, according to its commanding officer, providing operational presence and contributing to regional security. Mitsotakis described the ship as the “pride of the Greek fleet.”

French support and broader European presence

During the visit, Macron referenced joint defence cooperation and earlier assistance, saying, “We will be here for you should your sovereignty ever be threatened.”

Following the drone attack, a European armada formed around Cyprus as various countries sent warships. Greek frigates, including Kimon and Psara, were deployed alongside fighter aircraft, forming what was described as a protective presence.

Wider defence context

Mitsotakis framed the response as evidence of Europe’s evolving defence posture, pointing to long-standing concerns over burden-sharing within NATO.

What do you think the Cyprus deployments show about Europe’s ability to respond collectively to security threats?