eu safe — eu safe — The Cyprus defence ministry will convene the defence industry council in the coming days to finalise the national action plan for the European Union’s Safe financial instrument. Defence capability development and armament director Panayiotis Hadjipavlis confirmed the meeting’s details during an interview with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
Eu safe: Extraordinary Meeting Scheduled
Chaired by Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas, the council will hold an extraordinary meeting to assess the ministry’s progress and establish final recommendations. These recommendations are crucial for the plan’s submission to the European Commission, which is due by November 30.
Preparations Underway Since June
Hadjipavlis explained that the ministry has been diligently preparing the Safe investment plan since June, with the intention of incorporating Cypriot defence and technology companies wherever feasible. The council comprises various stakeholders, including the presidents of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), the Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev), and the Cyprus Defence Industry Association.
Strengthening International Cooperation
The defence ministry is actively participating in and co-organising events with foreign partners to enhance collaboration between Cypriot and international defence companies. Upcoming activities will involve the UK Ministry of Defence, as well as the embassies of France and Poland, focusing on joint research, technology development, and procurement strategies.
Recent European Defence Agency Visit
A team from the European Defence Agency (EDA) visited Cyprus on October 23-24 to explore new opportunities for cooperation with EU member states. During this visit, the EDA’s executive director met with Minister Palmas. Hadjipavlis remarked that relations between Cyprus and the agency are “excellent,” highlighting Cyprus as one of the agency’s staunchest supporters within the EU framework.
Innovative Defence Research Initiatives
As part of ongoing research and innovation efforts, a demonstration showcasing two completed projects under the Athena defence research programme is scheduled for November 10 at a National Guard base. These projects include an anti-drone system and a situational awareness platform designed to assist battlefield decision-making. Furthermore, two new programmes, Athena 2 and Athena Plus, are being prepared for launch in 2026 to expand upon these initiatives.
Growing Defence Sector Landscape
Currently, around 30 Cypriot companies are engaged in the defence sector, with a rising interest from firms specialising in dual-use technologies. Hadjipavlis noted that several Cypriot companies have already joined European Defence Fund consortia, positioning Cyprus seventh in Europe for successful funding applications.
Upcoming Defence Events and Collaborations
Several significant defence events are on the horizon, including a conference focused on technological advancements in the sector, taking place on November 11-12, under the auspices of the defence ministry. Additionally, the ministry will participate in a joint event organised by Keve and the French Embassy, in collaboration with the deputy ministry of research, aimed at promoting modern technologies and dual-use products.
Future Conferences and Initiatives
In early 2025, a bilateral conference will be co-organised with the UK Ministry of Defence and the Cyprus High Commission in London, aimed at fostering partnerships between defence industry associations from both nations. Another event with the Polish Embassy in Nicosia will concentrate on cybersecurity and cyber defence collaboration.
Comprehensive Development Toolkit in Progress
The ministry is also engaged in discussions with European experts to develop a comprehensive toolkit for the Cypriot defence industry. This includes formulating a national defence industry strategy, a detailed action plan, and necessary updates to legislation and the national defence industry registry.
Significant EU Funding Secured
Cyprus has successfully secured €500,000 in EU funding to advance this development package following a competitive selection process. Hadjipavlis pointed out that Cyprus stands out as one of the few EU countries to receive such support, contrasting with many others that rely on national budgets for similar initiatives.