Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade Minister Michael Damianos on Tuesday called for a stronger European single market to help bolster the European Union’s defence sector. He spoke after an informal European competitiveness council (Compet) meeting in Nicosia.
Defence sector focus at Compet discussions
Damianos said he and his counterparts “underlined the growing strategic importance of the defence sector for Europe’s security and resilience”. He added that discussions focused on how EU instruments can better support cooperation, joint investments and industrial modernisation.
Bridging research and industrial-scale production
“A key priority is to bridge the gap between research and production on an industrial scale,” Damianos said. He added that the smooth functioning of the single market is essential, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses in the defence sector.
Support for small member states
Damianos said “particular attention has been paid to ensuring that small member states, including Cyprus, can benefit and contribute substantially”.
MEP Mavrides calls for stronger defence industry
Damianos’ remarks align with comments made last week by Cypriot MEP Costas Mavrides of Diko, who called for Europe to strengthen its defence industry and bolster its “independence from external factors”.
Mavrides said small and medium-sized businesses in Europe are already involved in the sector, including in Cyprus, and called for strengthening the sector by simplifying processes, facilitating financing, and enabling cooperation between large and small businesses from different member states.
Safe programme and Cyprus funding
The EU’s Security Action for Europe (Safe) programme is part of the bloc’s new defence architecture, and the Cypriot government secured over €1 billion in funding through the programme last year.
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said at the time that the funding would enable the National Guard to acquire military hardware to “cover [its] priorities” until 2030.
How should the EU balance single market rules with the goal of expanding defence industrial capacity?
