Strasbourg, France. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides warned the European Parliament that Ukraine’s fight against Russia defends the principle that force cannot redraw borders, saying that if the principle falls “everything becomes negotiable—whether in Ukraine, in Greenland, or anywhere else.”
Warning on borders and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland
Speaking on Tuesday as Cyprus presented its EU Council Presidency priorities, Christodoulides said Cyprus stood in support and solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, and called for strengthened Arctic security.
Cyprus presidency pillars and security architecture
Christodoulides, speaking as leader of what he described as the Union’s southeastern corner and its only occupied capital, said Cyprus’s six-month presidency would be framed around five pillars aimed at building European autonomy through strength, competitiveness and values.
He told MEPs that Europe must urgently build a stronger security architecture.
European defence readiness and support for Ukraine
Christodoulides said Russia’s war against Ukraine has demonstrated the urgent need to strengthen European defence readiness. He said Cyprus, under occupation itself, knows from experience what lack of security means and will stand firmly with Ukraine while supporting international efforts for viable, lasting peace that fully respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
360-degree approach to security
He outlined a 360-degree approach to security covering defence readiness, military mobility, maritime and water security, economic security, migration management, cyber resilience, democratic resilience and crisis preparedness.
Defence initiatives and EU-NATO cooperation
Cyprus will prioritise swift implementation of the White Paper on the Future of European Defence and the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, and will advance initiatives including the EU Defence Industrial Strategy and Programme and the SAFE initiative. Christodoulides said the presidency will work to strengthen EU-NATO cooperation.
Maritime and water security
Christodoulides said maritime and water security deserve more attention, arguing that in the Mediterranean and beyond, security, trade and energy routes travel by sea, making freedom of navigation a strategic necessity. He said Cyprus will actively advance the EU Maritime Security Strategy.
Protecting democracies and law enforcement cooperation
He said security also means shielding democracies from foreign interference, disinformation, hybrid threats and pressure on media freedom, while strengthening law enforcement cooperation against organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism.
Migration management priorities
Christodoulides said that as a frontline member state, Cyprus will work towards effective migration management by addressing root causes, strengthening cooperation with third countries and ensuring full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
What do you think should be prioritised first in the EU’s approach to security?