“The Heads of State and Government of the EU during a meeting on the strengthening of European defense, confirmed the adamant support of Ukraine and its efforts to achieve a just and long peace.”, – WRITE: www.ukrinform.ua
The Heads of State and Government of the EU during a meeting on the strengthening of European defense, confirmed the adamant support of Ukraine and its efforts to achieve a just and long peace.
“Let me emphasize that the situation in Ukraine has been powerfully presented throughout the day. We remain firm in our obligations on Ukraine’s security and comprehensive, just and long peace. We, Europeans, have already provided support to Ukraine worth 134 billion euros – and we will continue to provide. Because we are determined to support Ukraine as much as it will be needed, and whatever it costs, ”he stressed.
Right noted that European leaders continued the discussion that was launched at the Versailles Summit in 2022, when EU countries agreed to take on more responsibility for their own defense. Since then, according to the expense, a lot has been done, but it must be made even more so that Europe becomes better, stronger and faster. The purpose of the Member States can only be achieved together.
“The war in Ukraine, cybernetic and hybrid attacks, the situation in the Middle East – all this calls for the work of a powerful European approach to security for all our citizens and to ensure peace on our continent. Defense of Europe is an integral component of this project. Our discussions were focused on three main topics: capabilities, funding and partnership, ”said the President of the Euro Council.
Read also: The European industry has something to learn in the OPC of Ukraine – background der Lyen He emphasized that the first direction – in the development of defense capabilities, should be carried out by Member States in coordination with the European Defense Agency and subject to full compatibility with NATO.
Among the most urgent directions of such work, the leaders of the EU countries focused on providing national forces by means of air and anti -missile defense, in the production of ammunition, military mobility and strategic means. The key to achieving this goals is to strengthen the European defense industry – Europe has more military capabilities – and do so faster.
The second direction is to increase European defense financing. Member States have already made a lot of efforts at the national level. Their defense costs increased by 30% in the period 2021-2024. All 23 European countries that are at the same time NATO members spend about 2% of GDP for this purpose and should continue traffic in this direction.
Read also: EstonI releases 3.5% GDP for defense and plans to bring this figure up to 5% – Prime Minister The European Commission will consider ways to improve the economic management system to allow Member States to spend more on the defense sector. The allocation of state funds for such needs will be reflected in the EU’s perennial budget by 2028.
The third key to strengthening European defense, according to funds, is the development of partnership.
“NATO strategic partnership is the key to transatlantic security. Both organizations have to continue working together and strengthen each other … The United States is our friend, our ally and a partner. These are relationships that have deep roots and will last in time. Problems and excellent views can also appear among friends, and we have to solve, talk and find solutions. Certainly, protecting our values and adhering to our principles, without inferior to our own interests, ”the cost emphasized.
He recalled that such universal values and principles have been based on an international order that has been built since the Second World War with the participation of the United States, and provides for the protection of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.
Read also: Rutte: Any assumptions that NATO can exist without the US do not work “Finally, we have made progress in our discussions to develop Europe’s defense. We are guided by a common sense of urgency. We are no longer discussing “if”. We are talking about how to do it, ”the European Council President added.
On February 3, an informal meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the EU was reported in Brussels, which first gathered to discuss European security and defense.