Athens, Greece. Cyprus House President Annita Demetriou told the plenary of the Hellenic Parliament on Tuesday that Greece and Cyprus should deepen cooperation on defence and regional security. She said the two countries face shared challenges and should strengthen their role within Europe and the wider region.
Shared challenges and strategic role
Addressing the Parliament of the Hellenes, Demetriou described Greece and Cyprus as neighbouring European democracies with enduring historical and national ties located on what she called “the most sensitive edge of Europe”.
She said both countries face common challenges including wars, migration pressures, energy disruption, hybrid threats and what she described as revisionist behaviour.
“Greece and Cyprus have the ability to transform their geographical position into a source of strength,” she said.
“Peace requires extroversion, security requires deterrence and development requires stability.”
Demetriou said Greece and Cyprus should strengthen their role as a common European gateway linking the Levant with the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.
European Union reform and defence
She said debate over the future direction of the European Union goes beyond Brussels and requires reforms aimed at improving decision making, strengthening foreign policy coordination, enhancing defence capabilities and deepening energy cooperation.
Demetriou said Europe must move “from a Europe of embarrassment to a Europe of determination” through faster decision making, stronger solidarity mechanisms and greater competitiveness, while balancing economic responsibility with investment and maintaining humanitarian values alongside effective border security.
Referring to European defence initiatives, she welcomed the SAFE programme and efforts to reinforce the European defence industry, saying they create opportunities for joint procurement, interoperability and industrial development.
She also said participation by third countries in European defence mechanisms should be considered in a broader political context.