Greece and Cyprus can turn their geographical position into a source of strength, House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou said during a speech at the Hellenic Parliament.
She stressed that the two countries are closely linked European democracies with deep historical and national ties, positioned at a sensitive frontier of Europe facing multiple geopolitical challenges.
EU and regional security challenges
Demetriou referred to wars, migration pressures, energy shifts, hybrid threats and revisionist policies shaping the broader regional environment, arguing that stability requires deterrence, outward-looking policies and stronger European unity.
She also called for a more decisive European Union, with faster decision-making, a unified foreign policy voice, and stronger defence capabilities, energy integration and competitiveness tools.
She noted that Greece and Cyprus are directly exposed to these challenges as the EU’s external borders and therefore should play a leading role in shaping policy responses.
Defence and geopolitical positioning
The Cypriot House President emphasised the importance of defence cooperation and strategic alliances, referring to programmes such as SAFE and broader efforts to strengthen the European defence industry.
She also highlighted concerns over EU defence funding potentially benefiting countries that violate international law, calling it a political issue linked to credibility and security.
Demetriou further underlined the need for stronger common financial instruments to address external crises and support collective European action.
Energy and regional cooperation
A key focus of her speech was energy cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, including electricity interconnections and projects such as the Great Sea Interconnector, which she said could reduce Cyprus’ energy isolation and enhance regional integration.
She also stressed the importance of transforming the Eastern Mediterranean into a zone of cooperation rather than confrontation, based on international law and good neighbourly relations.
Call for diplomacy and deterrence
Demetriou said cooperation frameworks in the region should deepen further in defence, energy and infrastructure protection, while also acknowledging the need for deterrence and strong armed forces.
She expressed gratitude for Greece’s support to Cyprus and reaffirmed that any solution to the Cyprus issue must be based on UN resolutions and EU principles.
She concluded by stressing that Cyprus must remain fully sovereign and united, rejecting any settlement that would undermine its independence or security.
Also read: Kallas, Koš, Brunner, Fidan back UN Chief on Cyprus issue
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