Strasbourg, France. Cypriot MEP Geadis Geadi on Tuesday called on the European Union to bolster its defences, saying Europe “cannot sail into the future on a boat made out of hope and luck”. He said the international environment requires a stronger European defence.
Call for stronger European defence
Speaking at the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Geadi said “the unstable international environment requires the construction of a stronger European defence”.
Threats cited in plenary speech
Geadi listed what he described as key drivers for immediate action, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Turkey’s aggression against Greece, the illegal Turkish occupation of Cyprus, the actions of Islamist terrorist organisations mainly in the Middle East, illegal migration, hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and changing geopolitical developments.
Investment and treaty obligations
He said the EU “must build strong military capabilities and invest in the European defence industry”. Geadi linked this to the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty’s mutual defence clause, which states that if a member state is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, other member states have an obligation of aid and assistance “by all the means in their power”.
Common framework and rapid response
Geadi said the EU must strengthen its defence capabilities so Europe can respond “quickly and decisively to any threats or aggressive actions against it”. He said “only a common European defence framework can safeguard Europe’s freedom to protect European territories and international law”.
Related comments from Cypriot officials and MEPs
His remarks followed comments last week by Cypriot Trade Minister Michael Damianos, who called for a stronger European single market, including using its benefits to bolster the EU’s defence sector. Cypriot MEP Costas Mavrides made similar statements at the European Parliament’s previous plenary session last month, calling for Europe to strengthen its defence industry and boost its “independence from external factors”.
Safe programme funding
One key element of the EU’s new defence architecture is its Security Action for Europe (Safe) programme, through which the Cypriot government secured over €1 billion in funding last year.
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