At the informal Defence Ministers’ meeting in Lisbon, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas stressed that the deteriorating security situation in the Eastern neighborhood underlines the need for the West to strengthen NATO and EU contacts at different levels and coordination of routine activities. Minister also underscored Lithuania’s readiness to show initiative for assembling EU involvement in order to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capacity.
“The EU should get more involved in the efforts to strengthen the Ukrainian defence sector and considering the possibilities of launching a EU military advice and assist mission. Lithuania is ready to show leadership in organizing detailing consultations with EU member states, EU institutions, and develop the dialogue with Ukraine in order to facilitate a more considerable EU involvement in the efforts to build Ukraine’s resilience,” said Minister A. Anušauskas.
Minister also presented Lithuania’s position in the discussion on EU military capability development. “The development of military capabilities has to be oriented more to the threats facing EU member states – the European commercial interests should not come first as opposed to member states’ defence needs. One of the fundamental conditions for military capability development is a consistent increase of national defence funding,” he said.
Photos: Presidencia Portuguesa do Conselho da Uniao Europeia 2021.
