EU launches new defense system to counter rising Russian threats
Photo: European Council President António Costa (Getty Images)
The European Union needs to form a joint defense system capable of effectively countering threats from Russia, President of the European Council, António Costa, says during a press conference in Brussels.
The high-ranking European official noted that under the current security challenges, caused in particular by Moscow’s aggressive policy, the EU cannot afford to continue maintaining a fragmented defense model. Instead, Costa called for creating a single, integrated defense system at the level of the entire Union.
In the opinion of the President of the European Council, the time has come to abandon the duplication of military capabilities in each individual EU member state.
Costa emphasized the importance of joining efforts in areas such as:
- joint procurement;
- harmonization of technical standards;
- development of the military-industrial complex;
- attraction of private investment in the defense sector.
"We should build a joint European defense system and deter (Russian - ed.) aggression. We don't need to duplicate the same capabilities in every state. We should not multiply by 27 (the current number of EU member states - ed.) all our defense investments. We need efficiency and a fair distribution of the burden," Costa stated.
The President of the European Council noted that within the framework of the mentioned strategy, the EU is already implementing the first package of defense investments through the SAFE financial instrument, whose goal is to increase spending efficiency, strengthen the Union's strategic autonomy, and rationalize procurement.
Costa noted that the European community is working as a team to improve the efficiency of spending funds, more rational investment, and effective interaction.
"To achieve this, combining demand, coordinating joint procurement, streamlining standards, and boosting European research, industry, and employment are underway," added the President of the European Council.
Russian threat to Europe
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Kremlin is preparing new military operations in NATO countries.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that over the next five years, Russia could prepare to attack Alliance countries.
At the same time, President Vladimir Putin recently denied such intentions.
