Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency takes center stage as EU Defence Ministers gather in Nicosia to confront pressing security shifts. Top priorities include accelerating military funding for Ukraine, cracking down on Russia’s shadow fleet, and addressing the legacy of Europe's last divided capital.

An informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers is taking place in Nicosia under Cyprus’ EU Presidency, focusing on current and emerging security challenges. According to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the informal meeting brings together Defence Mnisters of the European Union to discuss key priorities under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). “Discussions will focus on current and emerging security challenges, with particular emphasis on defence readiness and coordinated EU responses in an evolving security environment,” the Presidency said.

According to the programme, on Monday, the Ministers will, among other things, hold strategic discussions on EU defence support to Ukraine, with a particular focus on mobilising European Peace Facility (EPF) funds dedicated to military support for Ukraine. Discussions will also focus on maritime security in light of the latest developments, with a particular focus on freedom of navigation, ongoing efforts to counter the Russian shadow fleet. During a working lunch, they will exchange views on the European Security Strategy, with particular reference to developments in the evolving strategic context.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence hosted on Sunday a dinner in honour of the Ministers of Defence of the member states of the European Union, who will participate in the meeting. In a post on 'X', Cypriot Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas wrote that "I welcomed my European counterparts to Cyprus and expressed the belief that the consultations within the Council will be conducted in a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, with an orientation towards the future and guided by the common effort to strengthen European security and defence, so that the European Union remains capable of protecting its citizens, defending its interests and contributing substantially to the promotion of international peace and stability".

The EU Defence Ministers also visited on Sunday the old town of Nicosia, where they were informed about the history of Cyprus and the consequences of the Turkish invasion of 1974. "The visit highlighted the special character of Nicosia as the last divided capital of Europe, as well as the ongoing challenges arising from the continued occupation of part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey," Palmas wrote on 'X'.

Meanwhile, Greek National Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias, who is in Cyprus to attend the informal meeting will be received in the afternoon by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. 

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)