Brussels: The Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, addressed the current geopolitical landscape and recent global developments, emphasizing the need to bolster the EU's defence capabilities. His remarks were part of the opening ceremony of the European Union Military Committee, marking the Republic of Cyprus's assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Ministry of Defence announced that Lieutenant General Theodorou highlighted the Presidency's commitment to an autonomous European Union through enhanced security, defence readiness, and preparedness, aiming for a stronger Union rooted in cooperation, multilateralism, and international law. He stated, "Strategic autonomy does not mean isolation. It means responsibility and ability to act decisively when required in defence of our shared values."
The Cyprus Presidency is focused on strengthening defence cooperation, capability development, interoperability, and coordinated defence investments. Theodorou stressed that European security is indivisible, and the security of one Member State is the security of all, urging that this principle guide collective efforts.
The presidency also emphasizes the EU's defence readiness and military resilience, enhancing its ability to anticipate threats and respond decisively. Theodorou underscored the need for alignment between political decision-making and military planning, ensuring realistic and deployable capabilities.
Highlighting Cyprus's strategic geographic position, Theodorou noted its experience with regional instability and its impact on European security. He reiterated Cyprus's steadfast support for Ukraine, linking its defence to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.
The Chief affirmed Cyprus's commitment to the Union's security objectives, advocating for diplomacy and partnerships. He emphasized the complementary roles of the European defence effort and NATO, based on inclusiveness, reciprocity, transparency, and decision-making autonomy.
Theodorou concluded by underscoring the European Union Military Committee's vital role in providing military advice, strategic foresight, and coherence. He invoked Robert Schuman's wisdom, reminding that creative efforts are necessary to safeguard world peace.
The ceremony also featured speeches by the Chairman of the Military Committee, General Se¡n Clancy, and the Permanent Military Representative of Cyprus, Colonel Constantinos Constantinou, along with audiovisual presentations on the National Guard's capabilities.