The action plan for creating an effective European defense, outlined in the EU's White Paper on Readiness 2030, envisions the full integration of Ukraine and its defense industry. This integration will open new opportunities in the sector for EU member states.
European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, stated this at a press conference in Brussels presenting the White Paper on the future of European defense.
“To begin implementing 'Readiness 2030,' we must break through defense spending to ensure member states get the weapons they need. Member states must collaborate with other EU members, countries within the European Economic Area, and Ukraine, to order from European industry. It is vital to fully integrate Ukraine as both a supplier and participant in joint orders. This will create entirely new opportunities for member states to increase their support for Ukraine,” emphasized the EU representative.
He noted that the presented White Paper on Readiness 2030 is just the beginning of a challenging journey. It marks not only a stage of reflection and exchange of ideas but also the start of joint actions aimed at mobilizing Europe’s economic and industrial capabilities to deter aggression and prevent war.
“That’s why our priority now is implementation, implementation, and more implementation. We won’t be able to deter Putin if we just read him our 'White Paper.' We must implement this 'White Paper' into action, using it to produce real drones, tanks, and artillery for our defense. Europe can deter Putin’s aggression if it shows that it is not only a powerful economy but also has strong, democratic political will and corresponding defense capabilities,” stressed Kubilius.
He also pointed out that the proposals presented by the European Commission today include exceptions to the EU Stability and Growth Pact, which give member states additional fiscal flexibility for defense spending. This new fiscal scheme means that 1.5% of GDP, allocated for defense, will not be counted in the budget deficit.
Kubilius emphasized that Europeans must remember two key principles when considering their own defense.
The first is that defense is a collective effort, where all countries properly invest in developing their defense capabilities. Without such investments in each country, the defense of other countries will be weakened.
“The second is that 450 million Europeans cannot depend on 340 million Americans to defend themselves from 140 million Russians, who cannot defeat 38 million Ukrainians. We truly can do better. And the time has come to take responsibility for Europe’s defense,” the European Commissioner added.
