09.03.2026 18:26
French President Emmanuel Macron stated during his visit to the Greek Cypriot Administration that any attack on Cyprus would be considered an attack on Europe. He also announced that they would deploy two frigates under the EU framework to protect maritime trade in the Red Sea.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated during his visit to the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) that an attack on Cyprus would be considered an attack on Europe.
MACRON'S VISIT TO SOUTH CYPRUS
Macron visited the GCA to show solidarity after a drone hit the British airbase at the southern tip of the island of Cyprus, meeting with Greek and Greek Cypriot officials.
"WHEN CYPRUS IS ATTACKED, EUROPE IS ATTACKED"
Speaking at a press conference in Paphos, Macron said, "When Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked." The French President also announced that they would deploy two frigates as part of the European Union's naval mission to protect maritime trade in the Red Sea.
Macron stated that this planned mission would be "entirely defensive and a mission to escort convoys," emphasizing that it should be prepared in collaboration with both European and non-European countries.
FRENCH ARMY DEPLOYED IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Meanwhile, according to reports based on statements from the French General Staff, the helicopter carrier named "Tonnerre" was also deployed to the Mediterranean "to strengthen the capabilities of the French armed forces in the context of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East."
Additionally, the French flagship Charles de Gaulle, which French President Emmanuel Macron ordered to move to the Mediterranean on March 3, has also reached the region.
"FRANCE" PROTECTION FOR SOUTH CYPRUS
Macron had stated that he ordered the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, along with air assets and the accompanying frigate, to head towards the Mediterranean in response to the uncertainty in the Middle East.
Moreover, Macron announced that he had decided to send the French frigate Languedoc and accompanying air defense assets to the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA).