The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, referred to the importance of the decision of the General Affairs Council to approve the SAFE Regulation, calling for its full utilization by the Republic of Cyprus. He particularly emphasized the need to combine the financing possibilities with the recent US decision for Cyprus' access to American military equipment.
According to a statement by the Presidency, at the start of the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, at the Presidential Palace, the President of the Republic, addressing the members of the House, stated that yesterday's very important decision of the General Affairs Council, on the approval of the SAFE Regulation, constitutes a substantial step in strengthening the EU's defense capabilities and within this framework of the goal of European strategic autonomy.
The President of the Republic stated that this is a powerful financial instrument of 150 billion euros, which is addressed exclusively to EU Member States and which, as he stressed, Cyprus should make use of. He also noted the intention and change of approach of the European Investment Bank, which is now proceeding with lending for issues related to defense, infrastructure and other critical areas. He also stressed the importance of examining this issue in conjunction with the recent US decision allowing the Republic of Cyprus to have access to military equipment of American origin.
"A meeting was held with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Justice and some needs were recorded. I want us to discuss them and see the connection with the fact that we have several Cypriot companies that participate in EU programs, but also cooperate with other Ministries of Defense," he said.
The President pointed out that Cyprus must utilize this specific financial tool, taking into account its specific needs, as well as the requirements in the infrastructure sector. As he mentioned, this includes the upgrading of the Andreas Papandreou Air Base and the Naval Base, as well as the strengthening of critical defense sectors, with the aim of strengthening the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus.
He emphasized that in this direction there should be a coordination process, in which he himself will participate, so that the planning can proceed, given that the relevant framework was approved yesterday by the General Affairs Council.
Source: KYPE
