This is reported by Kyiv24
The Russian defense budget, calculated based on purchasing power parity, now accounts for about 85% of the total defense spending of European Union member states. This was stated by European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, during his speech at the “People and Defense” conference in Sweden on January 11.
Strengthening Europe’s Defense Capability
Kubilius emphasized that there are currently no signs of Vladimir Putin’s willingness for peace. Even if agreements are reached, Russia will remain in a state of war economy. In this context, the question of what role Europe should play in ensuring its own security becomes crucial, considering the position of the United States, which insists on increasing European countries’ responsibility for their defense.
He noted that EU leadership has already announced the “Defense Readiness 2030” strategy, which prepares for a possible reduction of the U.S. military presence on the continent. According to the commissioner, defense independence means being ready to defend within NATO, but with significantly less support from America.
“Defense independence means that we must be prepared for defense within NATO, but with significantly less American presence in Europe. The uncertainty of the future transatlantic partnership demands our resolve,” said the European Commissioner.
Kubilius identified three main pillars of Europe’s defense capability: material (funding, production, armaments), institutional (organization of defense, especially in the event of the U.S. withdrawal), and political (the will to deter, protect, and, if necessary, engage in combat).
At the same time, the commissioner emphasized that simply increasing defense spending does not guarantee improved defense capability. He urged EU countries to focus on institutional readiness for defense and proposed the formation of an “intellectual big bang” to seek innovative solutions and overcome the lack of unity.
European Security Council: Format, Tasks, and Prospects
Among the key issues, the commissioner mentioned defining the format of the future European Defense Union: whether it should include the United Kingdom, Norway, Ukraine, and its experienced army and defense industry. Kubilius also suggested more actively utilizing the developments of the informal “E5 plus” platform, transforming it into an official European Security Council.
The idea of creating such a council was already discussed in 2017–2019 by French President Emmanuel Macron and then German Chancellor Angela Merkel. According to Kubilius’s proposal, the Council should include key permanent members and several rotating members, including the country holding the EU Council presidency. In case of consultations on broader security issues, the inclusion of the United Kingdom is possible. The main task of the Council is to discuss current defense issues and prepare strategic decisions.
Kubilius emphasized that the first and most urgent issue for such a Council should be Ukraine. In his opinion, the lack of signs of Putin’s willingness to agree to a Peace Plan threatens to worsen the situation in Ukraine and even potential Russian victory if the current level of support is maintained. He is convinced that the EU needs to provide a clear response to these challenges, making the establishment of a Security Council a pressing task.
Additionally, in December, the Council of the European Union approved legislative initiatives to stimulate defense investments and implement the ReArm plan for rearming Europe. The new changes open up opportunities for cooperation with Ukrainian defense companies.