NICOSIA: The European Union may leave a “schizophrenic” approach of imposing extremely strict defense spending limits on its members if it’s to properly protect its territory and achieve defense self-sufficiency, Greece’s defense minister said Wednesday.
Two days after International officials met in Brussels for informal discussions on boosting and improving defense spending and expanding Europe’s defence industry, Nikos Dendias made the remarks. As Russia continues to wage its war on Ukraine, some Union members contend that the 27-member frame’s governmental regulations prevent them from raising their defence budgets.
After speaking with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and his rival Vasilis Palmas, Dendias demanded that more money be put aside for defense expenses.
” Our defense autonomy, which we all desire, can’t be achieved under this narrow ( fiscal ) framework, so I’m hopeful the European Union can return to reason”, Dendias said,
A stronger Europe militarily wouldn’t deviate from European obligations toward Nato, the Greek national continued, “assure our atlantic friends,” the Greek national continued. It is more” totally compatible and useful.”
Greece and Cyprus were among the 19 other EU member states to sign a letter urging easier and more generous access to European Investment Bank funds for security and defense opportunities.
Nikos Christodoulides, the president of Cyprus, stated that EU leaders may ratify” important decisions” made at the upcoming summit that will improve the bloc’s protective capabilities and strengthen its geostrategic role.
Christodoulides has agreed to switch Cyprus ‘ main air and naval bases in accordance with US and EU policy and has pledged to increase defense spending in the racially divided isle nation.
