Athens, Greece. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday stressed the need for a comprehensive European Union defence framework in a meeting with EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius. The talks were held on the sidelines of the DEFEA 2026 conference.
Focus on EU mutual assistance clause
Both sides underlined the importance of strengthening the EU’s mutual assistance clause under Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union.
Cyprus role during EU Council Presidency
Christodoulides said Cyprus is “working hard” during its Presidency of the Council of the EU and cited positive developments in defence and security. He described Article 42.7 as a key tool for the Union and said the role of the EU Defence Commissioner had been emphasised by the President of the European Commission in earlier discussions.
Defence industry and investment interest
Christodoulides expressed confidence in the prospects for Cyprus’ defence industry, calling it promising and noting increased investment interest from countries including India and Israel.
Kubilius cites progress and deliverables
Kubilius praised the work being carried out by Cyprus during its EU Council Presidency, pointing to progress and deliverables achieved.
Infrastructure, SAFE instrument, and base upgrades
The discussions included efforts by EU member states to reinforce the mutual assistance clause, upgrades to infrastructure at the “Andreas Papandreou” air base in Paphos and the “Evangelos Florakis” naval base in Mari for use by European and partner countries, Cyprus’ participation in the SAFE financial instrument through which it is expected to secure €1.18 billion, and developments in the country’s defence industry.
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