**MPs Examine Cyprus’s Defence and Energy Alliances**
On Tuesday, the House foreign affairs committee convened to discuss Cyprus's strategic role as a bridge between the European Union (EU) and the Eastern Mediterranean. The meeting focused on the challenges, opportunities, and strategic priorities that Cyprus faces as an EU member state on the bloc's eastern frontier. Key participants included Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Costas Mavrides from Diko and Fidias Panayiotou from Direct Democracy, alongside various officials from the Cypriot government.
Andrea Petranyi, head of the Middle East department at the foreign ministry, emphasized Cyprus's commitment to promoting regional stability and cooperation, particularly during its recent EU Council presidency. She highlighted the informal summit held in Nicosia in April, which was attended by five regional leaders, as a significant event showcasing Cyprus's diplomatic efforts. Currently, a Cypriot delegation is participating in the UN General Assembly in New York, where President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos are engaging with regional leaders and representatives.
Lieutenant Colonel Panicos Papagrigoriou, representing the defence ministry, described Cyprus's defence cooperation with neighboring countries as "excellent." He noted the signing of Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) with Israel and Jordan, as well as enhanced collaboration with Egypt. Papagrigoriou asserted that Cyprus's role as a bridge to the EU facilitates access to new capabilities and opportunities for defence cooperation.
Andreas Andreou, deputy secretary-general of the commerce chamber (Keve), spoke about the importance of regional stability for economic growth, positioning Cyprus as a pillar of stability and cooperation. He stressed the need to upgrade infrastructure, particularly mentioning the container terminal at Limassol port. Andreou also pointed out opportunities for Cyprus to assist neighboring countries in the energy sector and highlighted the potential for further development of the island's defence industry.
In the discussion, Mavrides underscored the potential for strategic partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly around energy and security. He referenced the East Mediterranean Gas Forum and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as platforms for collaboration. Mavrides noted that Cyprus's EU Council presidency demonstrated the country's capability to act as a bridge between Europe and the region, asserting that European efforts towards greater energy and defence autonomy could align with both national and EU interests.
Panayiotou raised concerns regarding the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), suggesting that it could pose future challenges. He pointed out that Cyprus remains vulnerable to attacks on its electricity generation facilities and proposed the establishment of an extensive energy storage network. Panayiotou also advocated for increased investment in European defence capabilities and called for enhanced solidarity among EU member states, emphasizing the need for improved coordination among national authorities.
Committee chairman Giorgos Karoullas, a member of Disy, inquired about the existence of a national strategy for advancing Cyprus's interests in the region. He asked how Cyprus could secure policies and financial tools as an EU member state to strengthen dual-use infrastructure. Akel MP Marina Nicolaou questioned the progress of trilogue negotiations concerning the next Horizon Europe programming period, while Alma MP Irene Charalambides raised the issue of Turkey's potential participation in the EU's SAFE defence programme through acquisitions of Italian companies.
Direct Democracy MP Diana Constantinidou sought clarification on what a holistic national strategy for the region would entail. In response, Petranyi outlined that Cyprus's regional strategy includes initiatives pursued through the EU, such as the EU regional firefighting centre in Paphos and the CYCLOPS training centre in Larnaca.
Angelos Lenos, a foreign ministry official, informed the committee that a new round of negotiations had commenced regarding funding for EU external action, with planning based on geographical and thematic criteria. He also mentioned the secretariat overseeing Cyprus's trilateral cooperation mechanisms, which monitors progress in these partnerships.
Regarding Turkey's involvement in the SAFE programme, Mavrides noted that the relevant member state, in this case, Italy, would need to confirm that the participation of a foreign-owned company would not conflict with the EU's vital interests. On the topic of Horizon Europe, he indicated that while the defence component had passed through the European Parliament’s defence committee with Turkey excluded, the overall programme had yet to reach the trilogue stage.
The discussions at the House foreign affairs committee underscored Cyprus's strategic positioning in the Eastern Mediterranean and the importance of collaborative efforts in defence and energy sectors as the region navigates complex geopolitical dynamics.