EU Commissioner Kubilius discusses heightened security threats from Russia, emphasizing EU’s role in bolstering defense industry and capabilities alongside NATO.
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EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, stated that the EU is elevating security and defence due to threats from Russia, making it a top priority alongside competitiveness. The EU aims to support member states in developing their defence industries, not to compete with NATO. A white paper suggests that Europe must rapidly increase production and capabilities to deter potential Russian aggression, especially near the border. Key priorities include supporting Ukraine’s defence, boosting EU capabilities in areas like drones and anti-drone systems, and addressing systemic issues in the defence industry through initiatives like “ReArm Europe,” which could fund an additional 800 billion euros for defence over four years. Kubilius emphasized that EU efforts complement NATO by providing industrial planning, rather than competing with its military planning. He stressed that the EU must prepare for future threats, including hybrid warfare, and that deterrence must be backed by tangible military strength, as Russia is reportedly stockpiling weapons. He also noted that while EU assistance to Ukraine was significant, the EU is now positioned to increase its own spending to 3.5% of GDP, allowing for continued support to Ukraine.
