The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias participated today, Thursday 3 April 2025, in the informal EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in its Defence configuration, organized by the Polish presidency in Warsaw.

Its main topics regarded the ReArm Europe Plan, the White Paper on European Defence and the situation in Ukraine.

Upon arriving at the meeting, Mr. Dendias stated:

“I believe today’s meeting in Warsaw and, in particular, the discussion on ReArm Europe and the issues concerning Ukraine, is very important.

The European “Readiness 2030” Agenda, which coincides with our own “2030 Agenda” – they both share the same horizon – is of great interest to Greece.

We deeply believe that a Common European Defence should exist, along with the apposite funding tools, so as to help develop this defence.

Furthermore, it is very important to discuss common initiatives. I would like to remind you that Greece and Poland have proposed the creation of a European Protection Dome.

“Achilles’ Shield” can provide an excellent example for many matters facing Europe’s protection in the air.

On the other hand, we must have a serious discussion on which third countries will participate in this European endeavour. Because the third countries to participate must endorse the principles and values of the European Union.

And, of course, it is inconceivable for countries which constitute a threat to EU member states in any way to participate in the European defence architecture.

In the end, Europe is an alliance and a common existence or coexistence of values and this is something we should always remember”.