Today the Macron-Mitsotakis-Christodoulides trilateral meeting in Paphos: “Shield” for Cyprus and a message of defence of European territory

Macron, Mitsotakis and Christodoulides to Send Strong Message of Support for Cyprus

A highly symbolic message of support for both Cyprus and European security is expected to be sent later today by Emmanuel Macron, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Nikos Christodoulides, who will meet in Paphos.

The meeting, which has been kept under strict secrecy for obvious security reasons, will take place at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base, where Greek F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets recently deployed to Cyprus by decision of the Greek Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) are stationed.

According to the schedule, the three leaders will hold a full discussion, followed by joint statements.

A European “shield” for Cyprus

The meeting is expected to send an important signal regarding the emerging European “shield” around Cyprus. Greece was the first country to respond to Nicosia’s request for defence support following the drone attack on the RAF Akrotiri base.

France followed shortly afterward, with President Macron announcing in a televised address the deployment of the aircraft carrier French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the region. Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom are also expected to join the broader security initiative supporting Cyprus.

For Athens, Mitsotakis’ presence—reportedly confirmed on Thursday after telephone conversations with Macron and Christodoulides—carries a twofold message. On the one hand, Greece positions itself as a provider of security in the region, standing by Cyprus whenever necessary. On the other hand, the Greek mobilization that prompted wider European support effectively constituted an informal activation of Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union, which concerns collective defence in the event of an attack against an EU member state, even though it has not been formally invoked.

“When European territory is threatened by external dangers, our response must be immediate and strong,” Mitsotakis wrote in a social media post on Sunday.

Broader coordination

Beyond defence matters, the leaders are also expected to discuss coordination efforts for the repatriation of European citizens from Gulf countries. Macron is also pushing strongly for enhanced maritime security and is expected to propose strengthening the Operation ASPIDES mission in the Red Sea.

Mitsotakis is also expected to attend a summit on nuclear energy hosted by Macron on Tuesday, an initiative that carries significant geopolitical implications.

Greece in crisis management mode

Meanwhile, the Greek government has effectively entered a crisis management mode. Mitsotakis has emphasized that during periods of international tension it is particularly important for the country to have steady leadership.

Although crises sometimes strengthen political support for governments—as citizens often rally behind national leadership—the current developments present complex and demanding challenges.

The decision to deploy military forces to Cyprus, including the dispatch of the frigates HS Kimon (F601) and HS Psara (F454) along with two pairs of F-16 fighter jets, effectively revived elements of the joint defence doctrine agreed in 1993 between Andreas Papandreou and Glafcos Clerides, although government officials have sought to downplay the comparison publicly.

Following consultations with the Pentagon and close coordination with Defence Minister Nikos Dendias—who traveled to Nicosia last Wednesday—Mitsotakis signaled that for Athens, Cyprus remains a core strategic concern.

The Prime Minister’s broader strategy aims to underline Greece’s role as an active regional player. The swift intervention in Cyprus and subsequent consultations with neighbouring countries highlight Athens’ intention to project stability and influence across the wider region.

Economic concerns and possible measures

However, significant challenges may lie ahead, particularly on the economic front, as the duration of the military conflict remains uncertain. The longer the crisis continues, the greater the geopolitical and economic repercussions could become.

Mitsotakis has already instructed key ministries to prepare response measures. Last Thursday a coordination meeting was held at the Maximos Mansion involving Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos.

The Finance Ministry remains in close contact with European partners, with Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis raising the issue at the Eurogroup. Both the Eurogroup meeting and the upcoming European summit on March 19 are expected to address possible coordinated European responses to protect economies from the crisis.

Government officials are already examining a first set of measures aimed at limiting price increases and preventing profiteering in the market. Announcements could come as early as this week.

Intervention in fuel prices is considered highly likely, potentially through a mechanism capping profit margins at petrol stations. A direct subsidy scheme similar to the previous “fuel pass” program is also under discussion, though it may remain a reserve option depending on developments and possible European coordination.

Government officials stress that hundreds of inspections are already underway and insist that the Greek market will not be left unchecked.