EU commissioner proposes European defense union for Ukraine
Andrius Kubilius (photo: Getty Images)
A European defense union could integrate the defense capabilities of EU member states, as well as Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Norway, said European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius.
"Politically, NATO is not available for Ukraine. EU membership is still complicated," said Andrius Kubilius.
According to him, the most effective instrument for Ukraine in the coming years could be the search for a new tool that would focus specifically on the integration of European defense capabilities.
"Can a European Defense Union be a solution for the integration of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Norway with the defense capabilities of the European Union?"
He noted that such integration could provide Ukraine with reliable security guarantees after the establishment of a just peace, and also serve as an important foundation for its effective recovery.
Kubilius also stressed that parallel accession of Ukraine to the common market and the European defense union in the near future would become an element of European strategic policy toward Ukraine.
Cooperation between Ukraine and NATO
Despite several obstacles, interaction between Ukraine and the Alliance and EU defense structures has significantly intensified recently.
Thus, Ukraine will take part in the NATO summit to be held in Türkiye. The parties are currently coordinating the format of participation and the composition of the Ukrainian delegation.
Recently, NATO representatives officially expressed admiration for Ukrainian combat robots, noting their ability to instantly adapt to changing battlefield conditions.
Against the backdrop of these changes, the European Union has begun developing its own collective defense plan aimed at removing NATO's bureaucratic obstacles and strengthening Europe's autonomy.
To test these mechanisms, Brussels has already planned large-scale exercises that will become a test of the EU's ability to act in the event of aggression without direct involvement of US resources.
