The Cypriot Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, explained to a group of journalists visiting Cyprus, including Agence Europe, in Larnaca on Tuesday 13 January, that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU was attaching “particular importance to promoting the European agenda for military mobility, an essential tool for strengthening the European Union’s collective defence preparedness and resilience”. The European Commission proposed its military mobility package in November (see EUROPE 13755/1).
“Improving military mobility within the European transport network is crucial to ensuring the rapid, coordinated and reliable movement of military personnel, equipment and assets, as well as to the Union’s effective response to complex security challenges”, said Mr Palmas.
In his view, the successful implementation of this mobility requires sufficient European funding to enable Member States to fill critical infrastructure gaps and meet their basic operational needs.
In this context, Cyprus is going to modernise the Mari base in Limassol. “The Mari naval base is one of the fundamental pillars of the Republic of Cyprus’ defence infrastructure. (...) Its modernisation is a project of strategic importance, as it considerably strengthens port capabilities as well as logistical and operational support for European and allied forces”, including the Americans.
Work is due to start at the beginning of 2027 and will take around four years to complete. The upgrade is expected to cost €200 million. “Obtaining adequate European funding for this project is essential if Cyprus is to make an even more effective contribution to the EU’s objectives in terms of military mobility and crisis management”, said the minister, who nevertheless made it clear that the country would carry out the work even without European financial support.
The minister also highlighted maritime safety, one of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council. “We are located at the crossroads of major shipping routes, energy infrastructures and trade networks. Freedom of navigation, the safety of maritime transport and the protection of critical infrastructure are fundamental principles of international law and of Europe’s maritime strategy. Investing in our naval infrastructure means investing in stability and international legitimacy”, he stressed.
Mr Palmas also called for a strengthening of European defence autonomy. “EU Member States should finally move forward and acquire the necessary autonomy in security and defence. Europe cannot rely solely on the capabilities and defence provided by NATO forces”, explained the minister, whose country is not a member of the Alliance. Strengthening relations between the EU and NATO is a priority of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)