Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has said he disagrees with NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte’s view that the European Union cannot advance its defense and security capabilities without U.S. support, adding that Cyprus is prepared to join NATO when conditions allow.
Speaking at the Defense Industry Conference held during the DEFEA arms exhibition in Athens, Christodoulides said the EU has “the necessary capabilities and political will” to strengthen its own defense posture. A more autonomous EU, he said, would also be “a very strong ally for NATO.”
Christodoulides said the EU presidency has placed defense at the top of its priorities, including efforts to improve military mobility by removing obstacles to the rapid deployment of EU forces and streamlining readiness procedures.
He highlighted the importance of the EU’s SAFE program for defense preparedness and noted that Cyprus is set to receive 1.2 billion euros under the initiative. Work has begun on how the funds will be used, he said.
The president also said Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty — the bloc’s mutual‑defense clause — cannot remain a theoretical provision, adding that member states have agreed on a blueprint to make it fully operational.
Christodoulides expressed satisfaction with the development of Cyprus’ defense industry, saying 30 Cypriot companies are active in the sector. Eighteen participate in 70 programs under the European Defence Fund and the European Defence Industrial Development Programme, while small and medium‑sized firms are involved in 16 programs valid for 2025.
He said coordinated efforts could raise the defense industry’s contribution to Cyprus’ GDP into double‑digit percentages. “A country still under Turkish military occupation knows better than anyone what danger means,” he said.