The Minister of National Defense Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos participated today, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in the EU Foreign Affairs-Defense Council. and to the Board of Directors of the European Defense Agency, on Brussels.

Main topics of discussion concerned the provision of support for the defense of Ukraine, the promotion of measures to strengthen the defense industry of the EU Member States. and the actions of the E.U. in Africa.

During his interventions, the Minister of National Defense underlined the vital role of a strong and competitive European Defense Industry for the security of the EU. and Member States and the support of European strategic autonomy.

He emphasized that Greece considers the initiative for joint supply of ammunition and strengthening of the European Defense Industrial and Technological Base to be a particularly positive developments, which is dictated by the current conditions, is an important step for the creation of a common and autonomous possibility of the E.U. to protect its values ​​and interests and European citizens.

Regarding defense support to Ukraine, he emphasized that Greece has already provided quantities of ammunition and will continue to provide all possible assistance, as it has done since the beginning of the war, and contributes to the EU Mission. for Military Aid to Ukraine.

In this context, he underlined the importance of the Proposal for a Regulation to support the production of munitions by the defense industries of the Member States, both for European Defense and Security, as well as for Ukraine, as well as its implementation in a way that ensures the security interests of the States – Members.

Regarding the actions of the E.U. in Africa, Mr. Panagiotopoulos argued that serious challenges and threats in the region created by, among other things, migratory flows must be taken into account. As the crisis in Sudan demonstrates, there is an urgent need to accelerate the creation of the EU Rapid Deployment Force, indicative of its commitment to becoming a credible security provider.

During the working lunch, with the participation of the Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, the Minister stated that Greece fully supports the EU-NATO cooperation, based on the principles of reciprocity, inclusiveness and autonomy decisions.

He also highlighted the role of the Space Strategy as well as the EU Maritime Security Strategy. in order for the Union to tackle emerging threats faster and more effectively.