The European Union must be more sovereign in the field of defense and capable of responding to security threats by their own, the leaders of the Member States stressed on Thursday at the Brussels summit. In the conclusions, they called on a significant increase in defense spending, strengthening the European defense industry and closer cooperation in the development and procurement of military capacities, the special newsletter TASR reports.
“The Russian aggressive war against Ukraine and its consequences for European and global security in the changing environment are an existential challenge for the European Union,” It is also written in the conclusions adopted.
The European Council recalled that the stronger and capable Union in the field of security and defense will contribute positively to both transatlantic and global security, it will be supplemented by NATO and remains the basis of their collective defense for its members. Leaders also appealed to further significant increase in defense and safety spending and for more efficient common investments In accordance with the commitments of this week’s NATO summit.
Representatives of Member States also welcomed the adoption of a new SAFE (Security Action for Europe) and expected activation so -called. National escape clauses within the stability and growth pact. ER also emphasized the necessity to strengthen the European arms technological and industrial base, including the expansion of production, the common procurement, the harmonization of requirements and standardization.
Following the political agreement achieved in the Council on the proposal of the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP), the European Council urgently called on the European Parliament and the EU Council to quickly terminate negotiations. It also encourages them to advance in connection with the proposals for the so -called Omnibus of Defense Readiness. It is a package of procedures allowing faster investments and a more prompt response to the Union to current security challenges, explained some time ago.
Leaders also entrusted the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaju Kallasová by developing a detailed plan that should lead to EU defense goals by 2030. “Submitting further proposals to strengthen military mobility”what the Commission plans to do in the fall. They also called for strengthening partnerships with similar -minded countries.
In conclusions, it was emphasized that these things are not affected by the special nature of the security and defense policy of some Member States and take into account the security and defense interests of all Member States in accordance with the treaties.
