EU must prepare for defense, Russia war proves – Lithuania president
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda (photo: Getty Images)
The war of Russia against Ukraine has shown that the entire European Union must prepare for defense, stated Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda during a joint press conference with European Council President António Costa in Vilnius.
"However, we are still paying insufficient attention and resources to this issue," Nausėda noted.
According to him, Lithuania sets an example in this context by investing 4% of GDP in defense already this year and planning to spend more than 5% in 2026.
The president stated that Lithuania expects greater involvement from the EU, primarily through the SAFE programs and the European defense industry.
He added that Lithuania welcomes the European Commission's initial proposal for the next seven-year budget, which provides for increased defense funding and a focus on military mobility, protection of critical infrastructure, and resilience.
Nausėda believes that the security of the EU's eastern borders must remain a priority, and greater investment in the region is necessary for better protection.
"The EU must recognize that the long-term security of Ukraine and Europe can only be ensured through the EU's active participation. Therefore, the EU must expand military support, and member states must provide Ukraine with reliable security guarantees," he stated.
The Lithuanian president added that in the near future pressure on Russia must be increased by adopting the 19th EU sanctions package targeting Russia's revenues from oil and gas, Rosatom, the banking sector, and the shadow fleet.
Europe strengthens army and increases defense spending
European Union countries spent a record 343 billion euros on defense in 2024. According to the plan, expenditures will rise further next year.
In addition, Ukraine's allies in Europe announced that they plan to request loans from the European Union worth tens of billions of euros to purchase weapons for Kyiv as well as to modernize their own armed forces.
Furthermore, earlier the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, emphasized that Germany must increase the number of soldiers to 460,000. This includes both reservists and active military personnel.
According to him, such a number of soldiers can be ensured either through voluntary or mandatory military service.
Poland is preparing a large-scale military qualification in 2026 — more than 200,000 people will be called to medical commissions. Draft notices will be sent not only to men.
