The Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, met with the Chair of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, Mr. Manfred Weber, on Thursday, 3 March 2022.

With regard to the most recent developments in Ukraine, the Minister of National Defence stated that our country condemns the Russian invasion, which constitutes a blatant violation of International Law. He further stressed the importance of the EU decisions to provide assistance to Ukraine, whilst he highlighted that, right from the outset, Greece provided defence and humanitarian assistance.

He noted that the developments in Ukraine demand the taking of initiatives in the area of Defence and Security for the enhancement of the European Union resiliency and strategic autonomy. Within the said context, he saluted the EU member-states’ intention to increase their defence spending.

Further on, Mr. Panagiotopoulos mentioned that all forms of revisionism, which turn against any country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, must be condemned. The “Strategic Compass” to be soon adopted by the EU must clearly reflect the conditions established following the Russian invasion, as well as all the security challenges and threats faced by the EU, pursuant to the Threat Analysis. He also highlighted the need for a uniform, consistent, without exceptions implementation of sanctions against Russia by all countries so that the said sanctions produce the anticipated outcomes.

The talks emphasized the role of Greece as a stability and security pillar for the European Union, NATO, and the wider SE Mediterranean region.