On Tuesday 20 May 2025, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council, in its Defence Ministers Configuration, held in Brussels.
During the conference, the Ministers exchanged opinions concerning the European Union’s Defence Readiness, and the 7 + 2 priority sectors, which to a great degree coincide with the Hellenic Armed Forces “Agenda 2030”, as well as the implementation of the White Paper and the ReArm Europe plan.
During the Council’s conference, the Minister of National Defence underlined Greece’s position, concerning third states participation in the ReArm Europe plan, that it is necessary for countries participating in this effort to share and embrace the European Union’s value framework.
He also pointed out that it is inconceivable for countries which threaten EU member – states to participate indiscriminately in this European effort, countries which, also, do not recognise EU countries, and which do not embrace the same rules of Democracy and human rights.
Current developments in Ukraine were also discussed, in the presence of the General Secretary of NATO, Mark Rutte, and the participation (through video conference) of the Ukrainian Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov.
While arriving at the Council of Ministers, Mr. Dendias made the following statement:
“Today, in the European Council of Ministers of Defence, we have a variety of important matters to discuss. As ever, the matter of Ukraine is set to the fore – front, on principle.
However, I would like to put much more stress on the effort being made with the SAFE Regulation, and ReArm Europe. That is, the effort to rearm Europe, in order for her to have greater capabilities to defend herself. Defend a region of Democracy, human rights, a haven of humanity.
In this framework, we have to be extremely careful. Greece has repeatedly emphasised that it is necessary for countries participating in this effort to share and embrace the European Union’s value framework.
It is inconceivable for countries which threaten other countries, EU member states at that, to indiscriminately participate in this European effort. Countries which, also, do not recognise EU countries, and which do not embrace the same rules of Democracy and human rights.
We cannot defend Europe when the enemy is within the gates”.
