The European Union faces an unprecedented defense crisis, with the newly appointed Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, emphasizing the urgent need for rearmament in response to the persistent threat posed by Russia. In his address to the European Parliament, Kubilius outlined a strategic shift from incremental defense measures to a comprehensive "Big Bang approach." This includes maintaining military support for Ukraine and enhancing Europe's military capabilities to counter potential Russian aggression. Intelligence assessments suggest that Russia could initiate military actions against EU member states before 2030, necessitating immediate and robust action from the EU to bolster its defense posture.
Kubilius advocates for a unified European defense strategy that prioritizes increased military spending, with a target of raising €500 billion over the next decade. He stresses the importance of pooling resources and creating a common defense market to address significant capability gaps. The commissioner warns that failure to support Ukraine could embolden authoritarian regimes globally, impacting not only European security but also geopolitical stability in regions like Asia. By aligning with NATO's capability targets and fostering collaboration among member states, the EU aims to enhance its readiness and resilience against emerging threats, ensuring that it can effectively respond to aggression in a timely manner.
