As the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union approaches its conclusion, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus has announced the forthcoming publication of Towards a European Defence Union – The Deployment Decade 2026–2035, a major legacy initiative of the Cyprus Presidency and an important contribution to the ongoing European debate on security and defence.

The publication brings together views and analysis from prominent European policymakers, military leaders, institutional representatives and defence experts, focusing on a fundamental question: how can the European Union transform its growing defence ambitions into concrete, operational and sustainable capabilities?

At the heart of the volume is the concept of the “Deployment Decade.” The period from 2026 to 2035 is presented as a decisive phase for European defence, during which political strategy, increased investment, industrial capacity and technological innovation must be converted into capabilities that can be effectively deployed.

The central argument is that Europe’s progress in defence will ultimately be measured not simply by the strategies it develops or the financial resources it commits, but by its ability to field tangible capabilities that protect European citizens, reinforce resilience and enable the EU to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.

The volume opens with a Preface by H.E. Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, and concludes with reflections by Vasilis Palmas, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus. Developed within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency, the publication reflects the Presidency’s broader vision of a European Union capable of acting autonomously while remaining open and engaged with international partners.

A wide range of contributors from European institutions, national governments, armed forces, defence organisations, the financial sector and industry have participated in the publication.

Among them are Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space; Nikos Dendias, Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic; Robert de Groot, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank; General Seán Clancy, Chair of the European Union Military Committee; Lieutenant General André Denk, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency; Joachim Sucker, Executive Administration Director of OCCAR; Dr Aura Salla, Member of the European Parliament; and Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director-General of DIGITALEUROPE.

The publication also features contributions from senior representatives of Europe’s defence policy, research, education, training and resilience communities, providing a broad perspective on the challenges facing European security.

A number of critical areas shaping the future of European defence are examined throughout the volume. These include defence readiness, strengthening Europe’s defence industrial capacity, financing, joint procurement, military mobility, digital innovation, dual-use technologies, maritime security, protection of critical infrastructure, security of supply, skills development and societal resilience.

Particular attention is also given to European solidarity and the practical implementation of the EU’s mutual assistance commitment under Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union. The publication considers how this commitment can be translated into effective preparedness and practical mechanisms before European solidarity is tested under real crisis conditions.

For Cyprus, the significance of Towards a European Defence Union – The Deployment Decade 2026–2035 extends beyond the conclusion of its Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The volume records strategic lessons, conclusions and reflections emerging from the Cyprus Presidency’s work in the fields of security and defence. At the same time, it is intended to provide a useful reference for future Presidencies of the Council, EU institutions, Member States and like-minded international partners as Europe moves into the next stage of its defence and security agenda.

The publication is edited by Dr Panayiotis Hadjipavlis, Dr Constantinos Hadjisavvas and Dr Giorgos Dimitriou.

According to the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, the electronic edition of Towards a European Defence Union – The Deployment Decade 2026–2035 will be made available in due course through the Ministry.