cyprus security — cyprus security — Cypriot member of the European Parliament Costas Mavrides has called for increased European Union action to bolster Cyprus’ security after the island was targeted by an Iranian-made drone last week.
Following a significant visit from French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Mavrides expressed his appreciation for the leaders’ presence, stating, “History was made in Cyprus today. Three leaders of European Union states … on the occasion of the war in Iran, to which Cyprus is not a party, sent a message through President Macron: When Cyprus is attacked, all of Europe is attacked.”
During a plenary session in the European Parliament, he highlighted the necessity for a Euro-Mediterranean defence framework to protect against aggressors, notably referencing Turkish expansionism. “The most important thing is the construction of a Euro-Mediterranean defence within the framework of European defence against any aggressor, and of course, against Turkish expansionism with the occupation of European Union territory in Cyprus,” he added.
However, Mavrides did not shy away from expressing his disappointment regarding the perceived lack of support from EU institutions. He pointedly questioned the absence of key figures such as EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, labelling their absence as a “shame in the history of Europe.”
“Where are Ms Kallas and Ms von der Leyen?” he asked, referencing the EU’s leadership. His remarks underscore a growing frustration among Cypriot officials regarding the EU’s engagement in regional security matters.
Meanwhile, German MEP Özlem Demirel voiced concerns about the broader implications of the ongoing conflict, stating, “once again, the United States and Israel are violating international law by attacking another country.” She warned of the escalating situation in the region, including the safety of Cyprus. “The air war is increasingly targeting civilian infrastructure – schools, hospitals, everything,” she asserted.
Demirel’s comments coincide with a rise in military activity in the area. Greece recently deployed four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, and Turkey responded with the arrival of six F-16s of its own. Additionally, warships from several European nations are now present in the region, including the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and the Greek frigate Kimon, which Mitsotakis described as the “pride of the Greek fleet.”
As tensions continue to rise, the call for stronger European solidarity and defence capabilities for Cyprus echoes louder within the corridors of the EU. Mavrides concluded by asserting, “We are moving forward step by step towards the Europe we deserve.”
