Margaritis Schinas calls for Cyprus to consider NATO membership

Former European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas suggested that Cyprus should seek NATO membership to enhance regional stability in Southeastern Europe. Speaking on Wednesday at a conference in Limassol organized by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Schinas noted that this represents a unique opportunity that would be difficult for others to oppose. He emphasized that he was speaking in a personal capacity as a fellow of the Atlantic Council rather than as an official representative of the European Commission or the Greek government. Schinas also commented on the current concentration of European naval forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, describing the development as a significant step toward a future European defense identity. He framed the support provided to Cyprus amid regional tensions as a practical demonstration of European solidarity. According to Schinas, crises often accelerate European integration, potentially leading to more institutionalized security cooperation. He suggested that such actions prove no EU member state faces external threats alone.