Council of Defence Ministers | Need for stronger EU security and the proposal of S. Angelidis

Defence Redefined

Published on 13/05/2020 at 10:44

The COVID-19 pandemic “is likely to worsen the security environment in the coming years, increasing the need for stronger EU security and defence,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The High Representative chaired the video conference of EU Defence Ministers, who discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on security and defence, focusing in particular on the crucial role played by the armed forces in supporting interpenetration and supporting policy-making among Member States.

The ministers agreed that the EU must continue to make every effort to maintain its operational presence in the context of the missions and operations of the Common Security and Defence Policy, while maintaining the security of its staff.

They also stressed the need to strengthen preparedness and resilience for the future by conducting exercises, strengthening the project on cybersecurity and tackling hybrid threats, including stepping up efforts to counter misinformation.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and United Nations Secretary-General for Peace Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed on the ongoing work in their organizations. They discussed with the Ministers the possibility of defence cooperation in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.

The proposal of Savvas Angelidis

Cyprus Defence Minister Savvas Angelides proposed setting up practical mechanisms for a unified EU response, providing solidarity among EU member states to effectively handle crises like COVID-19.

In his intervention, Angelides pointed out how critical the situation is and he also proposed developing practical mechanisms where there can be a unified response and solidarity among EU member states to achieve a more direct and effective overall management of similar situations. He referred to the help which the Republic of Cyprus offered to EU partners and the need to develop defence cooperation within the EU, despite the financial repercussions of the pandemic.

In the presence of the NATO Secretary-General and the UN Under-Secretary General for peacekeeping operations, Angelides condemned Turkey’s continuous offensive activity which results in repercussions to the security and stability in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. He pointed out the continued illegal drilling in the region and exploitation of human drama by Turkey sending more immigrants to the Republic of Cyprus.

He also stressed the importance of carrying out the mission of the “Irini” operation, which aims to implement the arms embargo in Libya, while also denouncing the role of Turkey, which systematically violates the relevant decision of the United Nations Security Council.

Source: CNA