He pointed out that defense is one of the main priorities of the next European Commission. The bloc must prepare for a wide variety of military situations. Kubilius explained that today the European defense industry faces both immediate and long-term challenges. They are existential and new risks, threats, including conventional war, cyber war, hybrid warfare and the militarization of space.
Addressing the MEPs, Kubilius mentioned recent intelligence that shows that Russia can test the readiness of the EU and NATO to fight until the end of the decade. According to him, it is necessary to immediately improve the EU’s ability to react to potential military aggression, as well as to think that the EU can deter it, confront such aggression.
The EU defense and space commissioner-designate noted that it is difficult to predict what the new US administration’s policy will be, however, it can be assumed that the US will increasingly focus on the strategic challenges posed by China in the coming years. In his view, such long-term changes require the EU’s defense structure to be more and more independent.
Kubilius drew attention to the fact that EU member states still do not invest enough in defense and “chronic lack of investment” will negatively affect the bloc’s military readiness. According to him, the capacity of the EU’s defense industry lags behind and is unable to ensure readiness for war. The EU defense and space commissioner-designate explained that Russia and China have significantly increased their defense budgets, more than all of the bloc’s 27 member states over the past years. According to him, in 2029, Russia will spend more on military expenses than all EU member states.
He said that he is counting on the support of the EP to meet the challenges and to be able to create a real EU defense union. According to Kubilius, a paradigm shift is needed, the defense industry needs to be changed, closer cooperation between EU member states and NATO should be supported. According to him, the EU does not compete with NATO in matters of defense – the bloc must use its budget and legislative capacity to effectively use the implementation of the alliance’s deterrence and defense plans.
The candidate for the post of EU Defense and Space Commissioner promised that if he is confirmed in the post, then within the first hundred days he will prepare a report on the future of the European defense industry together with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. He is committed to formulating a new approach to defence, identifying what the industry’s needs are, how to promote joint investment and how to ensure that the EU is ready for the most extreme military developments.
Kubilius emphasized that it is necessary to spend more, more efficiently and in a European manner. The production volumes of the military industry must be increased, there must be a better exchange of information between the EU member states and NATO about defense resources and the necessary capabilities, which opens up opportunities to create a common EU production plan.
According to him, by promoting joint military procurement, increasing demand, it will be possible to achieve lower prices and promote the conclusion of long-term contracts. It is also said that we should think about common stocks, look at how to optimize EU financial support and significantly increase state and private investments in defense research and development.
Title: Strengthening Europe’s Defense: An Interview with Defense Expert and MEP, Kubilius
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Mr. Kubilius. Thank you for joining us today. As the newly appointed EU defense and space commissioner-designate, your insights on Europe’s defense strategy are crucial. Let’s dive into the pressing issues at hand. You’ve mentioned that the upcoming European Commission will prioritize defense. Can you elaborate on what that entails?
Kubilius: Thank you for having me. Absolutely, the focus on defense is more critical now than ever. The European Union needs to be prepared for an array of military scenarios, which means not just responding to conventional threats but also to cyber warfare, hybrid conflicts, and even the militarization of space. We are in a period where threats are evolving, and our response must evolve accordingly.
Editor: Those threats certainly sound formidable. You discussed the necessity of improving the EU’s military readiness. What specific measures do you believe are essential to enhance this readiness?
Kubilius: Right now, we need a multipronged approach. First, we must enhance our military capabilities and ensure that our forces can react effectively to any aggression. This includes bolstering our logistics, improving intelligence sharing among member states, and creating rapid-response units. Additionally, it’s vital that we start investing significantly in our defense capabilities—member states have historically underinvested, and this chronic lack of funding hampers our readiness in the face of growing threats.
Editor: You highlighted the concerning aspect of underinvestment in defense among EU member states. Can you provide more context on the financial disparity between the EU and nations like Russia and China?
Kubilius: Certainly. The stark reality is that both Russia and China have been dramatically increasing their defense budgets over the past years. Projections suggest that by 2029, Russia may spend more on military expenses than all 27 EU member states combined. This trend is alarming and illustrates the urgent need for the EU to re-evaluate its defense investment strategies. We cannot afford to lag behind our competitors.
Editor: The strategic landscape is indeed competitive. You also mentioned the impact of the new US administration’s policies. Given the shift in focus towards China, what does this mean for EU defense autonomy?
Kubilius: The changing policy landscape in the US presents both challenges and opportunities. As the US pivots towards addressing strategic challenges from China, it’s imperative that the EU strives for greater independence in its defense capabilities. This autonomy will not only strengthen the EU’s response to crises but also ensure that our defense posture is aligned with our interests and values without being overly reliant on external powers.
Editor: With these new challenges laid out, how do you envision the future of the EU defense industry? What kind of paradigm shift are you advocating for?
Kubilius: A fundamental transformation is required. We need to redefine our defense industry to foster closer collaboration between member states. This means joint investment in military capabilities, shared development of technology, and a more cohesive defense strategy across the board. Only through unity can we establish a robust and effective EU defense union, enhancing our strategic autonomy and readiness.
Editor: It sounds like a considerable amount of collaboration and strategic planning is needed. What role do you think the European Parliament will play in achieving your vision for a more unified EU defense approach?
Kubilius: The European Parliament will be crucial in driving this initiative forward. I am counting on their support to advocate for necessary reforms, push for increased defense spending, and champion the establishment of the EU defense union. It will require a collective effort—political will and support from the Parliament are vital for enabling these changes to take root.
Editor: Mr. Kubilius, thank you for sharing your vision and insights with us today. The future of Europe’s defense is certainly a topic that requires our immediate attention and informed discussion.
Kubilius: Thank you for the opportunity. Engaging dialogue is key to addressing these critical issues, and I look forward to potentially collaborating with various stakeholders to nurture a secure and resilient Europe.