“The decision to dedicate EUR 500 million from the European Peace Facility to Ukraine, EUR 450 million of it for lethal weaponry, is an important political step but it is just the beginning. European involvement and assistance will be necessary not only in the short but also in the long-term,” Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas said meeting European Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius on March 11.
Minister stressed that the European Union will need to contribute financially and practically to a stronger defence capabilities of Ukraine in the long-term. According to A. Anušauskas, Lithuanian representatives are constantly discussing long-term commitments to Ukraine’s defence and security at the EU, that is the keystone element in securing strategic EU interests in the Eastern neighborhood.
A. Anušauskas pointed out that Lithuania urged for every kind of assistance to be rendered to Ukraine, including cybersecurity initiatives. The Lithuanian-coordinated European Union Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) initiative of Cyber Rapid Response Teams has been activated: member states are actively considering options to strengthen Ukraine’s cybersecurity.
Minister and V. Sinkevičius also discussed the efforts to strengthen the security of the EU as a whole through increased defence spending at European and national levels. Other topics discussed were the review of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework and more financing for military mobility, as well as the substantial involvement of strategic partners in EU defence initiatives and legal regulation of defence procurement.
