Europe's existence is based on common principles and the understanding of threats against the way of life it represents, and on basic principles and values, otherwise it undermines itself, National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said on Thursday.

Dendias represented the government at the "Paleologia 2025" event in Mystras, southern Peloponnese, commemorating the last emperor of Byzantium, Constantine Palaiologos, who died in battle at the fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453.

Commenting on the fall of Constantinople, the minister said that the anniversary "is an opportunity to reflect on and project the past to the present, if, of course, Europe chooses to maintain traces of historical memory and reflexes of cultural survival."

Dendias continued, "Any interpretation on behalf of our partners that the SAFE (Security Action For Europe) regulation relates to the unconditional opportunity to fund the European Defense Industry of those who scheme against us or threaten us, would not constitute neutrality todau, and the defense of Europe, European defense, cannot constitute an object of experimentation."

While also referring to the threats the Muslim Brotherhood creates in Europe, the defense minister also warned of the possibility that some EU partners could promote the lack of need for a unanimous approval by EU members in agreements with third countries, "especially if this happens without the Turkish Parliament annulling the casus belli against Greece." An agreement without that annulment would go against the stance of the Greek prime minister and be in violation of legally correct demands of the European Parliament, he added.

The minister clarified however that he expected "common and basic sense to prevail, and the above point will not be necessary."

Dendias attended a memorial service for Palaiologos, who had been declared emperor at Mystras, and laid a wreath at his statue. At these events was accompanied by members of the military leadership, while also attending were party deputies, members of the clergy, and local government officials including mayors.