The General Director of National Defence Policy and International Relations (GDNDPIR) of the Ministry of National Defence (MoD) Dr. Konstantinos Balomenos participated in the European Union’s (EU) Defence Policy Directors’ Meeting held in Brussels, on 24 October 2023.
At the first session of the meeting, the latest developments in Ukraine, as well as the EU’s commitments to support it, were discussed. In particular, reference was made to the EU Mission in Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), the state of implementation of the three-track approach for the rapid delivery and supply of ammunition to Ukraine, and the proposal to set up a separate Ukraine Defence Assistance Fund (UAF) within the framework of the European Peace Facility (EPF).
Dr Balomenos, in his intervention, first confirmed Greece’s commitment to continue providing support to Ukraine, both bilaterally and at EU level, through its assistance to the Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM Ukraine), as well as through its participation in more specialised actions, such as training Ukrainian pilots in F-16 aircraft.
In addition, the General Director of National Defence Policy and International Relations noted that the lack of geographical balance, in the context of EU Common Defence and Security Policy (CSDP) missions, is not a prudent strategic approach on the part of EU member states.
Addressing his counterparts, with regard to the EU’s long-term security guarantees, Dr Balomenos also expressed Greece’s positive attitude towards the establishment of the separate support fund for Ukraine “UAF” under the European Peace Facility (EPF), under the condition that the rules of origin of the equipment provided are defined therein. And this because funding, through the Facility, of economic actors which are controlled by third countries and threatening the security interests of the Member States cannot be accepted.
At the second session of the meeting, there was an update and a discussion on the state of implementation of the EU’s Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC), as well as on the development of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) for a faster and more effective EU response to crisis response outside the Union’s borders.
During his intervention at this session, the General Director, Dr. Balomenos, stressed that the EU’s Rapid Development Capacity is a top priority of the EU Strategic Compass, and therefore, its member states should remain committed to achieving their full operational capacity by 2025. He also made clear that given the present geopolitical instability, the achievement of the above objective is more than an imperative for the EU.
Taking into account the need to achieve this objective, he also highlighted the role and work offered by the Greek European Operational Headquarters in Larissa and assured that it will continue to provide assistance with personnel and resources.
The meeting of EU Defence Policy Directors was concluded with a working lunch discussing the main security challenges in the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea due to escalating threats from armed uprisings and violent extremism.
Particular emphasis was placed on the impact and operational evolution of the existing EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions.
In the ensuing discussion, the General Director highlighted Greece’s particular interest in participating in the EU’s international initiatives to promote peace, security and stability in the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea.
Finally, Dr. Balomenos expressed Greece’s positive attitude to a possible new EU mission in the Gulf of Guinea in order to avoid further escalation of the situation and prevent greater instability in the wider region.
