The need to have a common defence umbrella between member states of the EU and the necessary financial tools to support it was mentioned by the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, on the occasion of his participation in the informal Council of Foreign Affairs and Defence of the European Union with the participation of the Ministers of Defence, which was organised by the Polish Presidency in Warsaw.

At the same time, Mr. Dendias drew the attention of his colleagues regarding third countries wishing to participate in the common European defence by “taking a picture” of Turkey.

In this context, “we need to have a very serious discussion about which third countries will participate in this European project. Because the third countries that will participate will have to subscribe to the principles and values of the European Union,” the Defence Minister observed.

It should be noted that the main topics of the Council were the ReArm Europe Project, the White Paper on European Defence, and the situation in Ukraine.

In detail, the statement of Nikos Dendias:

I think that today’s meeting in Warsaw and especially the discussion on ReArm Europe, but also the issues of Ukraine, is something extremely important.

The European agenda (“Readiness 2030”), which coincides with our “Agenda 2030” – they both have the same deadline – is something that is particularly relevant for Greece.

We deeply believe that there should be a Common European Defence and there should be these financial instruments that will help this defence to be created.

Also, it is very important to discuss the joint initiatives. I recall that Greece, together with Poland, have proposed the creation of a European Protection Vault.

The “Achilles Shield” can provide an excellent example for many issues concerning the protection of Europe in the oceans.

And on the other hand, we need to discuss very seriously which third countries will participate in this European project. The third countries that will participate will have to subscribe to the principles and values of the European Union.

And, of course, it is inconceivable that countries that threaten EU member states should participate in the European defence edifice in any way.

Finally, Europe is an alliance and a common existence or coexistence of values, and we must always remember this.