Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas is in attendance at the Foreign Affairs Council (in Defence) Session in Brussels today. On the margins, Minister R. Kaunas met with Minister of Defence of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov.
“As we witness the situation in Ukraine today we understand clearly that speed of assistance is a critical factor. We hope that the final decision to approve the EUR 90 billion Support Loan to Ukraine for weaponry acquisition will be taken as a matter of urgency. It is also important to make sure that it is flexible and free of unnecessary as aspects of administrative burden,” said Minister R. Kaunas.
The European Commission proposed legislative package this January to secure financial assistance to Ukraine in 2026-2027 – a EUR 90 billion Support Loan for weaponry acquisitions. The loan is proposed to be repaid with the war reparations by russia.
The EU Defence Ministers are focusing on military assistance to Ukraine at the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence). They are also addressing the Ukraine-EU cooperation on defence industry and innovation, as well as the EU security guarantees for Ukraine in the framework of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
Minister also underscored that it was a strategic priority to develop cooperation with Ukraine in the area of defence and innovation. Both countries are taking concrete steps in support of defence technological cooperation of the defence industries.
Minister also met with European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius with whom he discussed key initiatives for strengthening defence and agenda of the upcoming Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2027. Key priority of the Presidency will be enhancement of security and defence of the Euro-Atlantic area while ensuring a comprehensive and timely assistance for Ukraine, a sustainable development of the EU defence industry and sufficient defence spending.
At a meeting with Director General of the International Military Staff (DGIMS) Lt Gen Remigijus Baltrėnas Minister addressed concrete measures and plans for strengthening the security of the whole of NATO.
