**National Guard Chief Advocates for Comprehensive EU Defence Strategy**
Lieutenant-General Emmanouel Theodorou, the chief of the National Guard, emphasized the necessity for a broader approach to European defence readiness during his address at the second European Chiefs of Defence and National Armaments Directors conference in Rome, held on September 21 and 22. His remarks underscored the importance of addressing security challenges across various strategic regions that directly impact Europe.
The conference was centered on adapting European defence industrial production to meet the evolving defence needs of member states. Military leaders engaged in discussions regarding lessons learned from recent conflicts, the requirements for military capabilities, and the capacity of Europe’s defence industry to fulfill these demands.
In his speech, Theodorou pointed out that the contemporary security environment necessitates a reduction in the time required for the design and production of defence systems before they can be operationally deployed. He stressed that modern defence capabilities must be both adaptable and interoperable. Furthermore, he argued that European readiness should not be limited to specific areas but should encompass challenges across all strategic regions affecting European security.
Theodorou's comments come at a time when the European Union is actively seeking to accelerate defence investments and expand joint procurement initiatives under its Readiness 2030 plans. A spokesperson from the European Commission highlighted the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (Safe) instrument, which is designed to facilitate joint procurement of defence capabilities among member states, focusing primarily on ammunition, missiles, air defence, and ground combat systems.
The Safe initiative is part of the broader ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan, which aims to mobilize over €800 billion in defence investments across the EU. The spokesperson noted that joint procurement not only ensures interoperability and predictability but also reduces costs and enhances the scale necessary to fortify the European defence industrial base. Additionally, it is intended to bolster European competitiveness and industry.
Under the procurement rules of the Safe instrument, at least 65 percent of the costs for components must originate from the EU, Ukraine, or eligible EEA/EFTA countries, limiting components from other nations to a maximum of 35 percent. The Commission emphasized that while the initiative provides substantial support, member states remain in control, having submitted national defence investment plans that outline their intended investments.
For Cyprus, this has resulted in an allocation of €1.2 billion under the Safe initiative, with the first payment of €177.2 million disbursed in June, representing 15 percent of its total allocation. This pre-financing allows Cyprus to advance its defence investments, enhance resilience, and upgrade military capabilities in alignment with broader European objectives.
During the Rome conference, Theodorou also engaged in a series of meetings with his counterparts from other nations. These discussions focused on mutual interests and collaborative efforts to strengthen European defence strategies.
As Europe navigates a complex security landscape, Theodorou's call for a comprehensive approach to defence readiness reflects a growing recognition of the need for unity and cooperation among EU member states in addressing shared security challenges.