Minister of National Defence N. Dendias Statement, following Working Breakfast with EU Member State Ambassadors, which was Hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus

Minister of National Defence N. Dendias Statement, following Working Breakfast with EU Member State Ambassadors, which was Hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus

March 19, 2026

The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendiashad a working breakfast with the Ambassadors of the EU Member States in Athens. The event was hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Stavros Avgoustidis, whose country has the Presidency of the EU Council.

During the working breakfast, the role of Greece in the stability of the broader region and the mutual confrontation of modern security challenges were discussed.

After the working breakfast, Mr. Dendias stated:

"Today, following the invitation by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, I found the opportunity to brief the Ambassadors of all European countries here in Athens, on the present situation, namely what the Hellenic Armed Forces do in order to aid the EU Member States, the Republic of Cyprus and Bulgaria at the moment, but also other countries, which might request our assistance within the framework of confronting the situation created due to the launching of missiles and drones by Iran.

However, I would also like to say that this morning, the Greek Patriot Missile Battery in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Iran, which targeted refineries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Firstly, this way, the Greek battery proves it is battle-worthy and the level of experience it has earned all this time, as well as that it can protect the quality of life of Greek and European citizens in an indirect, but clear manner. You probably know, that the constant increase in oil prices is an enormous threat to the quality of life of Greeks, Europeans, and the inhabitants of the whole planet. The creation of inflation and expensiveness threatens us, and that alone is a sizable threat. The protection of refineries and oil production units is, in this instance, of enormous significance.

So, I would like to congratulate the personnel of the Armed Forces, of the Hellenic Air Force, in Saudi Arabia, for their achievement".