At the EU Defence Ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas discussed strengthening defence readiness, maintenance of military support for Ukraine, security situation in the Middle East and the impact of it on the European security and defence.
The meetings focussed significantly on the necessity to prevent duplication between the EU, NATO and other international formats.
“Let’s not waste energy talking about a European Army and other formats that duplicate the NATO Alliance. We need to focus on strengthening NATO, capabilities and readiness, and that means of the whole Europe too. It would improve coordination and the efficiency of the use of limited resources,” said Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas.
Minister R. Kaunas underscored that the assistance to Ukraine should strengthen not just Ukraine’s defence capabilities but also the European defence industry. The need for a better integration of Ukraine in the European defence industry was noted.
“We have to maintain a flexible approach to weaponry supply and to encourage joint projects with Ukraine, such as technology transfer, creation of joint enterprises. Critical equipment, especially air defence systems and ammunition, has to be bought from suppliers who ensure timely production if necessary – outside the EU, including the U.S.,” Minister said.
Another major focus at the EU Ministers of Defence’s meeting was the reinforcement of the European defence readiness. It was agreed that Europe needed to adjust to the new security reality and to develop an effective security architecture suitable for a better defence of our interests and ensuring stability.
“The aggression Russia is capable of producing four times the amount of ammunition and weapons the entire Europe can. Europe must become a respected equal in the world of brute force in terms of security and defence,” Minister stressed.
At the meeting of the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA), Minister underscored that defence innovation must stem from real needs of the member states and lessons learned on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Also, the upcoming Lithuania’s presidency of the EU and key European defence priorities – increasing investment in defence, strengthening military mobility and assistance to Ukraine –were addressed at the meeting.
