Strasbourg, France. Cypriot European Parliament member Costas Mavrides called for the permanent stationing of a European Union military force in Cyprus during a late-night plenary session on Tuesday. He linked the proposal to regional conflicts and recent military deployments involving Turkey and Greece.
Call for EU defence presence in Cyprus
Speaking in Strasbourg, Mavrides, who represents Diko, said the EU should move beyond national armies and establish an EU defence mechanism to protect Europe. He described a permanent representation of EU forces in Cyprus as a first concrete step toward a regional EU defence.
Reference to Schuman declaration
Mavrides invoked Robert Schuman and referred to the 1950 Schuman declaration, quoting that Europe “will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan” but built through “concrete achievements” that create “a de facto solidarity.”
Defence industry and regional wars
He said the EU’s efforts to bolster its defence industry were “the most important project for deepening the EU over the last few decades,” citing the war in Ukraine and the war in Iran as conflicts on Europe’s periphery.
Warning over Turkish fighter jets
Mavrides warned about the repositioning of six Turkish F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, saying that remaining silent would mean “we are feeding the master.” He also said that after the fall of the current Iranian government, “the new ruler, anti-European, the new ruler will be Erdogan’s Turkey.”
Greece-Turkey signals on Cyprus-related developments
The deployment of the Turkish fighter jets came as Greece and Turkey appeared to be moving toward alignment regarding Cyprus’ role in the conflict. After Greek F-16s arrived last week, Turkey did not lodge a protest, and Turkey’s defence ministry spokesman, rear admiral Zeki Akturk, said a delegation from the Greek air force would visit Turkey this week within the framework of bilateral relations and regional developments. He described the planned visit as a confidence-building measure.
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