Maritime security, strengthening European defense and support for Ukraine are among the key issues on the agenda of the EU’s informal meeting of defense ministers, being held in Ireland on Tuesday, September 1.
Speaking ahead of the meeting in Wicklow, Dublin, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said ministers would discuss developments in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as emerging challenges to European defense and security, including the space domain, cyberspace, ballistic missiles and drones.
Dendias stressed that Greece has a contribution to make to the discussion, pointing to the country’s “Agenda 2030” defense strategy and the “Achilles Shield” as Europe’s first comprehensive effort to address these threats.
He also referred to the signing on Monday of the contract for the “Achilles Shield,” an integrated anti-aircraft, anti-drone and anti-ballistic missile defense system. According to Dendias, the project will establish a production base and the necessary capabilities on European soil to respond to these emerging threats.
The Greek minister said he also intended to discuss with his counterparts the challenge posed by revisionism in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean and Thrace, stressing its implications for European defense, security and the safety of European citizens.
As reported, the defense ministers are also expected to discuss the situation in Lebanon and the possibility of a European mission aimed at supporting the country’s armed forces. The discussion comes amid wider regional developments and growing calls to strengthen Lebanon’s military capabilities.
