The European Union is at a critical juncture in its defense strategy, as newly appointed Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius emphasizes the urgent need for rearmament in response to escalating threats, particularly from Russia. Kubilius, who previously served as Lithuania's prime minister, has identified Russia as the most significant military threat to the EU, necessitating a robust military aid strategy for Ukraine and a comprehensive defense white paper within his first 90 days. The alarming intelligence assessments suggest that Russia could initiate military aggression against EU nations before 2030, highlighting the urgency for Europe to close its capability gaps in conventional weapons and strategic enablers, which currently rely heavily on U.S. support.
Kubilius advocates for a paradigm shift in the EU's defense approach, moving from incremental improvements to a “Big Bang approach” that prioritizes immediate support for Ukraine, bolstering European defense production, and securing financial backing for these initiatives. He warns that failure to adequately support Ukraine could embolden Russian aggression and undermine the West's credibility, particularly in the eyes of authoritarian regimes globally. The commissioner stresses the importance of unity among democracies and the need for a clear, actionable defense strategy that aligns with NATO's long-term goals. By pooling resources and increasing defense spending, the EU aims to raise €500 billion over the next decade, addressing both immediate military needs and long-term strategic objectives to ensure regional stability and security.
