Macron Visits Cyprus Amid Europe’s Defence Boost in Mediterranean

French President Emmanuel Macron travelled to Cyprus on Monday as European nations stepped up security measures in the eastern Mediterranean following a drone strike on a British air base on the island earlier this month.

The visit comes days after France deployed the frigate Languedoc to waters near Cyprus to strengthen air defence capabilities against potential drone and missile threats. Paris has also decided to send additional ground-based air defence systems to support the island, which experienced the first drone attack linked to the ongoing Iran conflict on European territory.

During his visit, Macron is scheduled to board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle , currently operating in the eastern Mediterranean. French officials said the carrier’s deployment is aimed at reinforcing existing military assets in the region to ensure the security of France, its citizens, and allied forces.

Macron met Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at Cyprus’ main air base on the island’s southwestern coast. The facility currently hosts four Greek F-16 fighter jets deployed as part of enhanced regional defence cooperation.

According to the French presidency, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen security around Cyprus and across the eastern Mediterranean in coordination with European partners.

Christodoulides said the leaders’ presence on the island highlights that the security of Cyprus is a collective responsibility for the European Union , stressing that the bloc must be ready to defend its borders.

The security concerns follow a Shahed drone attack that struck a hangar at the RAF Akrotiri British air base shortly after midnight on March 2. The strike caused minor damage but no injuries. Two additional drones were intercepted later that day by British Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets launched from the base.

Cypriot authorities said the drone originated from Lebanon , with speculation pointing to the Hezbollah militant group , which is backed by Iran and known to possess similar exploding drones.

Amid rising tensions, Macron has been actively engaging in diplomacy to prevent further escalation in the region. On Sunday, he spoke with Iranian President Massoud Pezechkian , urging restraint and an end to strikes.

Meanwhile, Cyprus has emphasised that it will not participate in military operations despite the growing naval presence in the region. Warships from Italy, the Netherlands and Spain are expected to arrive soon, joining Greek frigates already patrolling nearby waters, while the British destroyer HMS Dragon is scheduled to deploy next week.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji condemned the drone attack and said Beirut had instructed security agencies to take action against armed groups operating outside the authority of the state.