Athens, Greece. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the European Union can advance on defence and security without the United States while strengthening Europe’s relationship with Nato. He spoke on Tuesday at the DEFEA 2026 defence exhibition in Athens.
EU autonomy and Nato partnership
Christodoulides said a stronger and more strategically autonomous EU would be a more capable partner for Nato in addressing shared challenges. He added that Cyprus is ready to become a member of Nato “when political conditions allow”.
Call to operationalise Article 42.7
He called for the European Union’s mutual defence clause under Article 42.7 to become fully operational, saying it “cannot remain theoretical” and must become a concrete and functional mechanism for member states. He said work has already begun in Brussels to prepare a clear blueprint for its immediate and effective activation, and noted he had earlier met European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius.
SAFE instrument and Cyprus funding plans
Christodoulides highlighted the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument as an EU initiative allowing for up to €150 billion in defence investments, with Cyprus expected to access approximately €1.2 billion. He said planning for the utilisation of these funds is already underway, adding that enhancing defence, upgrading deterrence capabilities and supporting the Cypriot defence industry are government priorities.
Global security environment and emerging threats
He said the international environment is characterised by uncertainty and unpredictability, citing the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the wider Middle East as signs of the fragility of peace. He added that security and stability are closely linked to defence, economic growth, investment and governance, and said Cyprus, “as a country still under Turkish military occupation,” has a direct understanding of what is at stake. He also pointed to hybrid threats, cyberattacks, competition in space and the rapid use of artificial intelligence in defence, stressing the need to make Europe more resilient, independent and competitive.
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