BRUSSELS — The EU always reaffirms its full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus especially in the current framework where Turkey is behaving in the Eastern Mediterranean with practices that ignore the international law, EU Commissioner for the promotion of Our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas said on Sunday in an interview with 'Real News' newspaper.

"In the face of Turkish provocation and delinquency, Europe is making it clear that respect for the sovereign rights of the EU member states is the only way," he added.

He also said that Europe is willing to face Turkey on the basis of the triptych "de-escalation-dialogue-permanent solutions" noting, however, that if Turkey persists in its policy of escalating tensions, the EU will not hesitate to move to other actions with all the options on the table.

Asked about the debate in the EU regarding changes in the field of the common foreign and defence policy, Schinas admitted that there is some in forming a united and decisive position on foreign policy and defense as a result of the rule of unanimity, which allows the hesitant ones to block the ambitious.

"Drawing lessons from the current geopolitical situation, the EU can no longer stand idly by. It's time to move on to the next steps in defining the practical details of mutual assistance and solidarity," he underlined.