EU defence commissioner: EU military buildup will strengthen NATO

EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said that strengthening the European Union’s military capabilities would reinforce rather than weaken NATO, urging European countries to take greater responsibility for their own defence.

Speaking on the LRT program “Svarbi valanda,” Kubilius said Europe should prioritise the development of its defence sector and increase military investment, which he noted had been neglected for many years.

He argued that since 1990, Europe has effectively delegated primary responsibility for its security to the United States, but warned that this model is “probably coming to an end.” According to him, Europe must assume responsibility for conventional defence while also developing related areas tied to broader security.

At the same time, Kubilius said that strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities would bolster the so-called European pillar within NATO and enable the United States to concentrate on other strategic priorities, including the Indo-Pacific region.

He also referred to the Lisbon Treaty, highlighting its provisions on mutual assistance and noting that the EU already possesses crisis response mechanisms that require improved coordination. He said that in the event of a threat, assistance may primarily take non-military forms, but stressed that Europe must also have mechanisms in place in case NATO engagement proves insufficient.

Addressing concerns about Article 5 of NATO and growing distrust among some alliance members toward the United States, Kubilius urged distinguishing between political rhetoric and strategic policy documents.

“For example, the national defence strategy states that the United States wants Europe to take primary responsibility for its defence, while the US retains secondary responsibility. All of this is clearly set out in the strategy.

I would take this much more seriously than individual statements by politicians. But we, for our part, must show that we understand this US strategy and seek to implement common goals together,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova