Nicosia, Cyprus. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday called for a deeper commitment to European strategic autonomy and defence solidarity, citing recent support for Cyprus as evidence the European Union can act collectively in crises.
Call for stronger European defence cooperation
Speaking on arrival at the European Council summit in Nicosia, Mitsotakis said leaders had discussed on Thursday night how to strengthen European strategic autonomy and enhance defence cooperation among member states. He said the talks focused on upgrading the concept of European strategic autonomy and European defence solidarity.
Support for Cyprus cited as milestone
Mitsotakis said Greece and other EU member states stood by Cyprus after the island was hit by an Iranian-made drone last month. He described the response as the first tangible proof that Europe can support member states that are under threat, referencing the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Push to activate EU mutual assistance clause
Mitsotakis reiterated his call for a substantial upgrade and activation of Article 42.7 of the Treaty of the European Union, the bloc’s mutual assistance clause obliging member states to aid any EU country that comes under attack. He called the clause a key mechanism for collective defence and said it was important that the issue is now on the European Council agenda.
Greece to raise issue during upcoming EU Council presidency
Looking ahead, Mitsotakis said Greece plans to use its tenure holding the Council of the EU’s rotating presidency in the second half of next year to further advance the discussion.
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