A significant step was made in the direction of strengthening the European defence pillar, with the text agreed upon in Brussels. This concerns SAFE (Security Action for Europe), which was initiated by the European Commission last March, in the shadow of what is happening in the region.
The text, agreed upon by the ambassadors, will also need to be approved by the European Union member states on May 27.
The mark of this planning was given by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, who spoke of a “significant step towards a stronger Europe”. As has been mentioned, SAFE aims to enhance investments in European defence through borrowing totalling €150 billion.
The issue that arose concerns cooperation with third countries, which, as mentioned, is deemed necessary. Everyone recognises this, but there is also a parameter, which was raised by both Cyprus and Greece, concerning the involvement of occupying power Turkey.
Greece and Cyprus directly raised the issue of Turkey and argued for the inclusion of a reference that would exclude the occupying power from this planning.
Our partners have understood, as has been mentioned, the concerns of Greece and Cyprus; however, they do not appear to have adopted their position. Nevertheless, safeguards have been put in place.
It is clear that reservations are also being expressed by other countries. These primarily concern the agreements that the Commission will try to achieve with third countries.
This is why, in the opinion of member states, this needs to be decided by unanimity. And also for the European Council to have a decisive role, and not only the Commission.
For example, the third countries that will cooperate in this field with the European Union should be aligned with its foreign policy.
A cooperating country cannot stand against the choices of the Union, nor can it maintain a Pontius Pilate-like stance, as occupying power Turkey sometimes does.
The reasons why Greece and Cyprus are raising these issues are obvious. It is the continued occupation of territories of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey and the continuous challenges to the sovereignty of Greece.
These are obviously serious reasons for the exclusion of the occupying power from European defence planning.
