On Sunday 7 and Monday 8 June, the EU defence ministers will hold an informal meeting in Nicosia (Cyprus) to discuss EU support for Ukraine, maritime security and the future European security strategy. This is an agenda similar to that of their foreign affairs counterparts, who met on 27 and 28 May in Limassol.
The ministers will discuss military support for Ukraine, in particular the mobilisation of funds from the European Peace Facility, totalling €6.6 billion. After almost three years, Hungary has reportedly lifted its veto on the reimbursement to Member States of equipment sent to Ukraine.
At the Defence Council on 12 May, the EU’s High Representative, Kaja Kallas, announced that proposals would be drawn up, as “Member States obviously have different ideas on how to mobilise” the funds, with some Member States advocating the use of the Facility for reimbursements, as initially planned, while others are of the opinion that it was more necessary to look to the future. According to sources, certain funds are also not readily available since some Member States have allocated funds from their contribution to the ‘European Peace Facility’, which were earmarked for Ukraine, to other expenditure items as a result of the long-standing Hungarian blockade.
The ministers will then discuss maritime safety, which is a priority of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. They are also intending to discuss the contribution that Europeans could make, when conditions permit, to the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The EU, in particular the ASPIDES mission in the Red Sea.
The fight against Russia’s shadow fleet will also be discussed, a few days after the French Navy boarded another of its vessels (see EUROPE 13878/22).
In addition to the sanctions that have been adopted, the EU could use its EUNAVFOR Med Irini mission in the Mediterranean, whose mandate, amended in March 2025 (see EUROPE 13598/31), could help in the fight against the shadow fleet. As a secondary task, the operation can carry out monitoring and surveillance activities and gather information on illegal activities other than arms trafficking and illegal oil exports from Libya.
Ministers will then discuss the future European security strategy, with particular reference to developments in the current strategic context. In this context, they could discuss the implementation of Article 42.7 on mutual assistance.
Faced with an upsurge in violations of EU Member States’ airspace, particularly by drones, the EU’s defence preparedness will also be discussed. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)