Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his support for the REARM Europe project to strengthen European defence, describing it as an “important step” for Europe’s common security.

In a post on social media, the prime minister said the next challenge is to plan the details to ensure that all EU member states benefit from the initiative, regardless of their current level of defence spending.

It will be recalled that the REARM Europe plan was earlier presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who referred to it as the “era of rearmament.”

Describing what the letter she sent to the 27 EU leaders entails, von der Leyen explained that it involves mobilizing up to 800 billion to increase defense spending as well as activating the escape clause so that European nations can spend on defense without risking triggering the excessive deficit procedure.

“This is Europe’s moment, and we must stand up to it,” the European Commission president said.