The European Union is facing serious challenges in the field of security and defense. European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius stated that the EU is currently facing a “perfect storm” that combines external threats and internal insufficient readiness for defense.
This is reported by Київ24
The EU is urged to take decisive action in the face of Russian aggression
During the European Summit on Defense and Security, Kubilius emphasized that Russia does not plan to stop its aggression against EU and NATO member states, and its plans can only be halted by force – both from Ukraine and from the EU itself. The Commissioner stressed that “peaceful times” are over, and Europe must change its approach to its own security.
“Putin’s plans for aggression against us, the EU and NATO member states, can only be stopped by force from our side and from Ukraine. And Putin does not plan to stop. Therefore, we need to set aside our peaceful-time glasses,” said Andrius Kubilius.
According to him, the war in Ukraine continues with no prospects for a quick resolution, and the Russian leader is not seeking peace and continues to mobilize the military economy, preparing for new potential aggressive actions against the EU. The Commissioner also believes that the possible future withdrawal of American troops from Europe creates a new reality for the continent, although this does not mean the U.S. is leaving NATO.
Insufficient defense readiness and a call for reforms
Kubilius emphasized that Europe’s defense capability is inadequate and requires urgent strengthening and the development of a long-term strategy. In his assessment, the “perfect storm” in the security sector indicates a deep defensive crisis on the continent. He urged European leaders to seize this crisis as an opportunity for decisive reforms in defense.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently stated that Russia may be prepared to use military force against NATO within five years. He insisted on the need for a radical enhancement of the Alliance’s defense capabilities, particularly increasing air and missile defense capabilities by 400 percent to effectively counter threats from Russia.
Researchers from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) note that Russian officials are creating conditions for withdrawing from international arms control agreements, which may be part of preparations for a potential future war with NATO.