Germany’s decision not to contribute militarily to Cyprus’s security reflects close coordination with allies and an agreed division of labour — not reluctance or indifference, the German Defence Ministry spokeswoman said.
Natalie Jenning told reporters that Germany currently has no plans for any additional military contribution beyond existing commitments in Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean, adding that coordination efforts always take the “overall picture” into account.
The emergence of a new “hotspot” does not mean existing ones are no longer relevant or become less important, she said. “Therefore — and this is also part of this overall agreement — Germany’s focus remains on our contributions on the eastern flank,” Jenning said, pointing to the presence of German armed forces in defence operations in Poland, Romania, Lithuania and on the northern flank.
The Foreign Ministry’s spokesman, Martin Giese, noted that Cyprus is not a NATO member and that any support should therefore be provided under Article 42 of the EU Treaty.
He clarified that the EU’s mutual assistance clause between member states has not yet been activated, as Cyprus has approached various EU partners bilaterally and aid is already on the way.
He cited frigates and fighter jets from Greece and a frigate from France, which is also considering deploying its aircraft carrier to the region. “I therefore believe the situation is not as dramatic as you are presenting it, with regard to the defence of Cyprus,” Giese said.
