The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union convened today in its joint form, at Foreign Affairs Ministers and Defence Ministers level.
Its scope was Common Security and Defence Policy, a top priority for the European Union. The reinforcement of Europe, our common European future will come through its implementation.
Greece is present at all relative procedures. Lady Ashton’s proposals and the main clusters have been brought forward and we are processing them; in regard of the European Council in December, as well as in the context of the Greek Presidency which will begin on January 1st.
The planning and implementation of CSDP will give an essential substance to our mutual intentions. Particularly in the field of community solidarity which was tested by the financial crisis and the turning point of the monetary union.
Vis-à-vis the common threats, Europe forms its own policies, its personal firewall. The safety of maritime routes against piracy, the development of cyber-defence, European defence structures and the facing of illegal migration are the topmost clusters and action areas for the unified Europe.
Europe must rely upon its defence industry, and its key pillar – small and medium sized enterprises – at any cost. And this is what we will do.
The European family regroups and reacts. Europe’s course enters a new phase. It must lead, as soon as possible, to its political unification which is the prerequisite for its complete and essential completion.