Kallas reveals Europe’s next steps to strengthen defense
Head of European Diplomacy Kaja Kallas (Photo: Getty Images)
Strengthening defense capabilities without duplicating NATO's functions – this is Europe's main goal and what it is doing when the threat is felt particularly acutely, states the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas.
According to Kallas, Europe's main objective at present is to strengthen European defense capabilities without duplicating the functions of the North Atlantic Alliance. She emphasized that Brussels consistently maintains close cooperation with NATO to avoid creating parallel structures.
At the same time, the head of EU diplomacy rejected the idea of creating a unified European army. She explained that each member state has its own armed forces, which are already part of NATO's collective defense system.
In her view, the European Union's priority should be increasing defense investments, developing the defense industry, and conducting joint procurement of military products, which will enable more effective strengthening of the continent's security.
Kallas also emphasized that strengthening European defense should complement NATO, not replace the Alliance. According to her, this approach will strengthen the European component of collective security.
Threat to Europe
Russia may launch a limited military operation against one of the NATO countries after the war in Ukraine ends. Moscow is already preparing for a long-term confrontation with Europe.
This refers to the Baltic states – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. It is precisely these states that the Kremlin chief has directed threats toward.
In addition, other European countries are also preparing for a possible invasion by Russia, which last autumn began overt drone provocations in NATO airspace.
The US, as is known, is increasingly reducing its presence in Europe, the main reason for which is the refusal of a number of capitals to help President Donald Trump in the campaign against Iran.
