Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, in a post on X on Monday, said that he had highlighted the need to strengthen the European defense industry as part of Europe’s security strategy while meeting his counterparts during the informal Council of the EU Defense Ministers in Nicosia.

“I participated today in the Informal Meeting of EU Defense Ministers, hosted by the Republic of Cyprus in Nicosia, as part of its EU Presidency. We exchanged views on developments in Ukraine, maritime security, and freedom of navigation. We also discussed the European security strategy, and during my intervention, I had the opportunity to highlight the need to strengthen the European defense industry,” the minister said.

“In addition, following a relevant report from my Cypriot counterpart Vasilis, I briefed the meeting about Turkish harassment via radio, originating from the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus,” he added.