Future European Commissioner for Defense to prepare EU for 'most extreme military scenarios'
Andrius Kubilius (Getty Images)
Europe must be prepared for "the most extreme military scenarios." Specifically, more steps need to be taken to increase defense production.
This statement was made by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Andrius Kubilius, who has been nominated for the position of European Commissioner for Defense and Space in the new European Commission, in an interview with Ukrinform.
Kubilius said that Russia, which initiated an unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, is redirecting its economy toward a military footing. This situation requires consolidation of efforts and political initiative from the European community.
"My job description (as future Commissioner — ed.) begins with the words: 'Europe must be prepared for the most extreme military scenarios.' This means Europe must be ready for any military aggression," said the future commissioner.
He said that this requires a clear assessment of the resources available to the EU for defense. In particular, Europe now needs to take more steps to increase defense production.
"We've taken certain steps, increased defense production, but more must be done, as similar issues exist in other sectors of the defense industry. That’s why my responsibility and portfolio will be largely focused on addressing these problems," Kubilius said.
He added that the primary element of his mandate as commissioner will be to consolidate the efforts of EU member states to avert such a threat.
Earlier, the candidate for the role of first European Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, had said that the European Union must increase its military potential for a possible war with Russia, which could happen within the next six years.
