The informal meeting of the Defence Ministers of the EU, chaired by the Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos, was held in Athens, on February 20 and 21. The main issues discussed were defence and security, ongoing EU operations and the situation in Central African Republic. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the UN Undersecretary General for peace support operations Herve Ladsous, participated in sessions of the meeting.

The main issues discussed were the tasks which must be performed to achieve a strategy for maritime security, quick reaction, support to the local and regional partners, as well as the development of a policy framework for a more systematic and long term defence cooperation within the EU.

Regarding the planned operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA), Avramopoulos noted that the European Force will be ready to take action for the protection of civilians, in early March. Greece will participate in the operation through the EU operational command in Larissa, he added.

Concerning the situation in Ukraine, Avramopoulos stated that it was more complex than initially thought and, as a result, the EU had to be present and support the efforts being made to defuse the crisis in the country. The international community must now move with "wisdom, maturity and insight," he added, in order to avert the social and political destruction of Ukraine at all costs.