N. Panagiotopoulos: The danger for further spread of the Ukrainian crisis is visible

The assessment that the danger for further spread of the Ukrainian crisis is visible, after the Russian invasion, was expressed by the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, during the discussion of a topical question of the KINAL MP Vassilis Kegeroglou, who stressed the need for a common European security system. and defense under the Lisbon Treaty.

“The situation that is unfolding, hour by hour, with Russia’s military operations against Ukraine is fluid and volatile. The Russian invasion has shown that the world is changing. “It is a clear violation of international law, but it is also a blow to the strategic architecture of the EU. The danger of further spread of the crisis in the wider region of Europe is visible”, stressed Mr. Panagiotopoulos.

The Minister of National Defense also pointed out the need for the EU to accelerate its steps both for the formation of a common foreign defense and security policy and for the creation of a Euromilitary. “EU military autonomy is more necessary than ever. This means that the invasion of Ukraine threatens Europe’s security system and it must react and prove that it is a force to be reckoned with.” “The debate that is starting now will intensify and lead to concrete results,” Panayotopoulos said. Our country is actively involved in the planning of a secure compass strategy of the Union, strongly supporting the autonomy of the EU. The EU holds the key to the defense budget, recognizing that due to the crisis in Ukraine, collective security and defense but also that there should be budgetary easing of budgets for certain countries for the purchase of their defense equipment “.

“It is beyond necessity and imperative to achieve EU autonomy at the economic level but also at the level of defense and security and must be done in big steps. We must move on to the next phase of common security and defense,” he said. Mr. Kegeroglou.

“In the field of defense, the strategic compass should record all the potential risks for each EU Member State. Quick steps need to be taken to set up the Euromilitary. The Prime Minister has already raised the issue in the discussion he had with French President Manuel Macron. “France has shown its support for it. The EU must take swift steps to build a Euromilitary. Common defense and security are in demand. “Europe must be liberated, awakened and become a provider of global security. The indications are that Europe is moving in this direction. The coming months will be crucial for the final strategic direction of the EU,” Panagiotopoulos said.

Finally, the Minister of National Defense, defended the stance taken by Greece in line with the European decisions against Russia, emphasizing that “our country had to take a clear position in the face of a clear invasion and hostile action.” “There is no room for convenient or other positions. The position of the Greek government was both clear and correct,” he added.

SOURCE: AMPE