Greece makes a historic move – The first EU country sends its troops to Cyprus

Greece was the first EU country to decide to send soldiers, destroyers and frigates to Cyprus after Iranian drones struck Cyprus.

“Two frigates and two F-16 fighter jets will be dispatched immediately,” said the Greek defense minister Nikos Dendias on Monday, according to Politico.

“After the unprovoked attacks on the territory of Cyprus, Greece participates in all possible ways in the defense of Cyprus to counter the threats and illegal activities taking place in its territory,” Defense Minister Dendias said.

Greece announced its defense of Cyprus after a Shahed-type unmanned drone struck the British Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri.

The drone strike happened shortly after the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that he would allow the United States to use British military bases in a military operation to destroy Iran’s missiles and drones.

Britain has announced that British soldiers will only participate in defensive operations, not offensive operations.

Although the Akrotiri base is considered British sovereign territory, Cyprus is an EU member and currently holds the rotating presidency of the Union. An EU ministerial meeting was scheduled to be held in Cyprus on Monday and Tuesday, but it was postponed due to the drone strike.

Cyprus government spokesman of Konstantinos Letymbiotis other drone attacks on bases in Cyprus were “successfully” repelled on Monday.

On high alert

France also said it would increase its military presence in the Middle East after Iran struck a French naval base in Abu Dhabi with drones on Sunday. Around 900 French soldiers are patrolling the area and are on “high alert”.

France, which is involved in defense efforts, has bilateral defense agreements with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, all of which have been targets of Iranian strikes.

German armed forces also came under fire when Iran attacked bases in Al-Azraq in Jordan over the weekend.

Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz commented on the attacks at a press conference on Sunday and criticized the EU’s cautious line. According to Merz, EU countries must also defend their interests militarily if necessary.

According to the Chancellor, Germany does not intend to join the military operations directly, but will defend its troops and citizens located in the region.

The Commission is preparing

The Security College of the European Commission met on Monday and assessed the changing situation in Iran and the Middle East and its ripple effects on, for example, the EU’s energy situation and security.

In the press release sent after the meeting, it was stated that the commission’s work is guided by two priorities. They are supporting Member States and protecting EU citizens from the harmful consequences of events in Iran and the Middle East.

The Commission announced that it will step up its support for Member States’ evacuation and repatriation operations.

The Commission will also strengthen the monitoring of the risks of transport disruptions, especially in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea region, and strengthen coordination with airlines, shipping companies and national authorities.

In the energy sector, the commission closely monitors both price and supply developments and convenes an energy sector working group, the first meeting of which will be held this week.

In terms of internal security, the Commission maintains heightened readiness and close cooperation with Europol and the Member States.

With regard to immigration, the Commission strengthens preparedness by intensifying the monitoring of trends and increasing cooperation with UN organizations and partner countries.