Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defense and Space, stated that NATO membership for Ukraine is currently unattainable, and that joining the European Union presents a complex and lengthy challenge. He proposed the establishment of a European Defense Union to effectively combine the defense capabilities of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Norway with those of EU member states.
Kubilius made these remarks at the “On the Path to the Ukraine Recovery Conference: Security and Defense Dimension” held in Rzeszów, Poland, on April 27. He emphasized the need for a new framework that focuses on integrating European defense capabilities.
“NATO membership for Ukraine is currently unavailable. Full membership in the European Union is a complicated process that does not guarantee rapid integration of defense capabilities. Therefore, the most effective tool may be the pursuit of a new instrument that concentrates on the integration of all European defense capacities. We need a European Defense Union that would allow for the integration of defense capabilities from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Norway with those of EU member states that are willing to participate,” Kubilius said.
He further explained that such integration could provide a reliable security guarantee for Ukraine following a just peace and serve as a crucial foundation for the country’s successful recovery.
Kubilius also noted that simultaneous integration of Ukraine into the single market and the European Defense Union in the near future would be a clear component of a European strategic approach towards Ukraine.
European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has proposed the creation of a European Defense Union, citing the impracticality of NATO membership for Ukraine and the complexities of EU accession. This initiative aims to enhance defense collaboration among Ukraine, the UK, and Norway, while integrating with EU member states.