The adoption of the “Strategic Compass” is a milestone that demonstrates the determination of the EU. to become a credible pillar of Defense and Security, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This was stressed by the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, who participated today to the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the European Union in Brusselsduring which the final text for the “Strategic Compass” was approved.
N. Panagiotopoulos also stressed the importance of investing in European defense, in line with the objectives of the “Strategic Compass”, emphasizing that due to the challenges and threats facing Greece, its defense spending exceeds 2% of Gross National Product (GDP) of. Therefore, he said, it is particularly important and urgent to exclude certain categories of defense expenditure from the existing budget deficit criteria.
He expressed the appreciation that the “Strategic Compass” will be a springboard for the cultivation of a common strategic culture and defense policy, which will take into account the security threats and challenges faced by each member state and which must be addressed together. In this context, he stressed the importance of a clear reference, in the text of the “Compass Strategy”, to the tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean caused by provocative and unilateral actions of Turkey, and directed against EU member states, in violation of their sovereign rights. and International Law.
For Russia’s attack on Ukraine, clarified that it is a blatant violation of international law, which undermines the foundations of European security. He pointed out that Greece condemns Russia’s review actions and supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, while from the first moment it sent defense equipment, medical supplies and significant humanitarian aid. He also expressed Greece’s support for Ukraine for the great human losses caused by the Russian bombings, including Greek expatriates, and stressed the need for close coordination between the EU, NATO, the United Nations and the OSCE to provide all possible support. in Ukraine.
He also said that sanctions against Russia affect the countries that impose them and called for the necessary measures to be taken to mitigate the effects on their economies and EU citizens, while noting that the decision of some countries not to align with the imposition of sanctions, undermines their effectiveness.
Subsequently, the EU Council of Defense Ministers was held. where the military dimensions and security aspects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine were discussed.
Besides, on the sidelines of the session, N. Panagiotopoulos chaired a working lunch of the ministers of the European People’s Party (EPP).
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