Cyprus’ position against Turkish involvement in the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (Safe) defence procurement programme has been adopted by the EU, according to President Nikos Christodoulides. Upon his arrival at the European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday, Christodoulides expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating, “I am pleased that our position regarding the participation of non-member states in the Safe financial instrument has been adopted.”
The President’s remarks highlight a significant geopolitical stance as Cyprus firmly believes that no third country, particularly one that occupies territories or threatens the security of EU member states, should participate in the EU’s defence initiatives.
In a related development, Greece’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochiou reiterated her country’s intention to veto Turkey’s participation in the programme unless Turkey rescinds a contentious parliamentary resolution. This resolution, enacted in 1995, asserts that any unilateral Greek actions beyond 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea would be met with military force, termed as “casus belli.” Zochiou stated, “As long as the casus belli remains, Greece will not accept Turkey’s participation in Safe. The lifting of the casus belli is a necessary condition for the discussion to begin.”
Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has also conveyed the Cypriot government’s clear disagreement with Turkey’s potential involvement in Safe. Following discussions with European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and European defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius, Palmas emphasised that Cyprus would not support Turkey’s inclusion in the programme.
Turkey formally applied to join the Safe programme last month, a request that has raised concerns among several EU members. Notably, 23 of the EU’s 27 member states are also Nato members, which complicates the dynamics. Reports have indicated that Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte has shown support for Turkish participation, arguing that “engagement” between the EU and Turkey is crucial for enhancing Nato cooperation.
Cyprus has secured over €1 billion in funding for military hardware through the Safe programme. Palmas indicated that participating states must submit their armament programme lists to the EU by November 30. This funding will allow Cyprus to strengthen its military capabilities over a five-year horizon.
As part of a broader initiative, the European Commission allocated €150 billion to the Safe programme earlier this year, which aims to enhance defence procurement across the EU. Alongside Cyprus, 18 other EU member states are set to benefit from this funding.
The Safe programme is accessible to all 27 EU member states, as well as four European Economic Area countries—namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Additionally, it includes Ukraine and six other nations that have signed common defence agreements with the EU, such as Albania, Japan, Moldova, North Macedonia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. While Turkey could potentially sign a similar agreement to gain access to the Safe programme, the requirement for unanimity among EU members complicates its path forward.
