Cyprus has voiced strong opposition to Turkey’s participation in the European Union’s SAFE defense initiative, citing Ankara’s continued occupation of EU member state territory.
During high-level meetings in Brussels with European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas reiterated Nicosia’s firm stance. In remarks to Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (RIK), Palmas stated that it is unacceptable for a country that “threatens and occupies the territory of an EU member state” to receive support and funding through European defense mechanisms.
Palmas said the Cypriot position was understood by EU officials, though he acknowledged that no definitive responses were provided regarding Turkey’s involvement in the program.
Addressing Cyprus’s upcoming EU Council presidency, Palmas emphasized that defense and security will be top priorities. He urged the EU to strengthen its strategic autonomy and rely more heavily on its own capabilities.
The minister also referenced the EU’s consideration of a so-called “drone wall” — a defense initiative aimed at countering Russian aerial threats. Palmas noted that unmanned aerial vehicles have become one of the most widely used modern weapons systems, and stressed the need for the EU to adapt to emerging threats by developing a robust shield to protect member state sovereignty.