Lithuania warns of NATO transformation

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has said that NATO is undergoing significant changes, warning that Europe will need to assume greater responsibility for its own security.

Budrys noted that the transformation within the alliance had begun even before the recent summit in The Hague and is continuing ahead of the upcoming meeting in Ankara, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He said that NATO would not remain the same as in the past, describing the alliance as being in a period of transition. Budrys stressed that a significant burden would fall on Europe, adding that European countries must respond by increasing defence spending to meet new security demands.

At the same time, the Lithuanian foreign minister underlined the importance of continued U.S. involvement in ensuring Europe’s defence and security capabilities. He said there was no viable alternative to U.S. engagement, pushing back against voices in Europe advocating for greater strategic independence from Washington.

By Sabina Mammadli