‘Its strategic autonomy European Union It has become a non -negotiable priority, ”the Deputy Foreign Minister said, Tasos Hatzivasiliouin his intervention at the conference of European People’s Party (EPP), held in Valencia, Spain.
Participating in the discussion “Defending Europe: Towards An Ambitious European Security Architecture” by Martens Center’s Net@Work on the sidelines of the EPP conference, Mr. Hadjivasiliou emphasized that “Europe must stand on its own feet and ensure protection of claims, and its affiliate its domination. ” He noted that Greece actively supports initiatives to strengthen strategic autonomy, with the closest cooperation of both within the European Union and with the NATO.
Mr Hatzivasiliou spoke about the contribution of the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, promoted the debate on the need for European defense readiness and strategy of self -sufficiency in time. He also referred to the proposal for the creation of a European air defense shield submitted by the Greek prime minister with his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, and underlined the importance of the White Bible for European Defense Readiness and the Rearm Europe Plan, which aims to upgrade the European Defense Industry.
In the context of his interventions, the Deputy Minister highlighted the three key challenges that must be addressed to make the Common Defense and Security Policy: the need to effectively coordinate national investment, the management of fiscal issues that will concern the markets and the strengthening of “democratic legitimacy” and enhancement of “democratic legislation Parliament.
Referring to Ukraine, he said that “there can be no steady peace without Ukraine’s active involvement in its future decision” and supported the country’s accession to European defense initiatives and programs, noting that “a strong, free and safe Kiev is a prerequisite for security”.
In addition, he emphasized the strategic importance of enlargement of the European Union in the Western Balkans and the development of complementary initiatives, such as the initiative of the three seas, to enhance energy differentiation, interconnection and durability of European infrastructure.
In closing, Mr Hadjivasiliou emphasized that “promoting strategic autonomy and reducing dependencies of external factors are vital”, noting that “Europe needs to invest decisively in its own defensive and geopolitical power, utilizing any available means, by vision and vision.”