NICOSIA, Cyprus — Greece’s defense minister emphasized on Wednesday that the European Union must move away from its “schizophrenic” strategy of imposing strict limits on defense spending among member states to effectively protect its territory and achieve military independence.

Nikos Dendias’ comments were made shortly after a recent informal meeting of EU leaders in Brussels, where discussions centered on enhancing military expenditure and advancing Europe’s defense industry. Several EU nations contend that the bloc’s fiscal regulations are hindering their ability to expand defense budgets, especially in light of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

During discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, Dendias advocated for increased funding for military purposes. He expressed that “our defense autonomy, which we all desire, can’t be achieved under this narrow fiscal framework,” adding that he is hopeful the European Union will adopt a more rational approach to defense spending.

The Greek defense chief assured allies in the transatlantic community that bolstering Europe’s military strength would not detract from its commitments to NATO; rather, he suggested it would be “completely compatible and useful.”

Cyprus and Greece joined 19 other EU member states in signing a letter that calls for looser access to European Investment Bank resources to facilitate investments in security and defense.

Cypriot President Christodoulides noted that significant resolutions from the recent talks would be ratified at the upcoming summit, aimed at enhancing the EU’s defensive capabilities and its strategic global standing.

Moreover, Christodoulides has committed to increasing defense spending in the divided nation of Cyprus, with agreements in place with both the United States and the EU to modernize the main air and naval bases of Cyprus.