In a packed hall of the European Parliament in Brussels, with hundreds of others watching online, and in the presence of several MEPs, European Commission officials, military representatives, diplomats and journalists, it took place, following the initiative of MEP Costas Mavridis (DIKO – S&D), an event on the theme "European Defense and Security Architecture". Speakers at the event were: François Arbault, Director at the General Directorate of Defense Industry and Space (DG DEGIS) of the European Commission, the French MEP and Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Defence and Security Christophe Gomart and Bernard Yes man, from the renowned Royal Institute of International Relations of Belgium (Egmont).
Mr. Arbault (European Commission) focused on the need for the EU to work together to develop its industrial and technological defence capabilities, stressing that there must be close cooperation between member states so that the objectives of the Plan “ReArm Europe"to be fulfilled."
The MEP and general Mr. Gomart He underlined the EU's priority to draw up a clear strategy in the field of defence and security, with the necessary adaptation to modern challenges. He explained the importance of creating a European military framework with its own structures for operational autonomy and immediate reaction capacity, in cooperation with international institutions such as NATO, but stressed that the EU must build its own "line of defence" to protect member states in cases of external threats, making explicit reference to Turkey as a typical example of a threat.
For his part, Mr. Yes man He referred to European geopolitics which remains continentally oriented, neglecting critical maritime areas such as the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Regarding third countries, he stressed that the lack of a defense agreement between the EU and Turkey creates a strategic vacuum for which member states must decide how to manage it.
An extensive question and answer session followed with a concluding comment from Mr. K. Mavridis as follows:
"Imagine coming from a member state of the European Union whose territory is occupied by a third country, such as Turkey, and yet having colleagues and European officials who are trying to integrate the occupier into Eurodefense. Those of us who believe in the European idea and its values, believe in a Eurodefense that will defend these values. That is why, when Russia attacked Ukraine, we took the political cost and stood against the invader. So if we really want to win the minds and hearts of European citizens for Eurodefense, we must consistently defend our values against the occupiers."
MEP Press Office
