Ukraine must become integral part of EU defense alliance - Auštrevičius

He shared his opinions on Espreso TV.

“The time for declarations is over. I think we have to admit that we made so many mistakes and wasted so much time still designing some kind of preventive diplomatic programs and actions. We invested in Minsk I and Minsk II, believing they would stop the aggressor. Nothing like that happened. So, time is not on our side, as I said, but I feel a very positive momentum is now prevailing in Brussels and in many capitals, not all EU capitals, I fully agree. I’m not speaking about, for example, Budapest, or to a certain degree, Bratislava. There are some neutral countries with their own points of view on the defense policy of the European Union. But I think we have to do as much as possible to create a European Defense Union, just as we have, for example, the European Economic Union, the Energy Union, and the Banking Union, still under construction, but there nonetheless,” stated Auštrevičius.

The politician believes that 2025 should be a turning point for Europe's defense industry, particularly regarding funding and new mechanisms like joint procurement and investments.

“The Defense Union has to be established, probably within a year or two. This white paper published by the European Commission will serve as the basis for discussions. Now, for example, the European Parliament is in full-scale debate on the European defense industry paper and decisions. I’m sure 2025 will be a rather decisive time period in this regard. We will hear many practical decisions regarding money and new instruments, such as joint procurement and joint investments,” he believes.

 Petras Auštrevičius is also convinced that Europe will not be able to form a unified security system without Ukraine. He emphasized that Ukraine is now the most reliable and strategic partner of the European Union.

“I’m not signaling that we have already agreed on everything, but it is well understood by many, many capitals in Europe that it’s now or never. We are speaking about the safety of our people. We are speaking about the future of the European Union and Europeans, and I’m sure that Ukraine must be a part of that safe union or safe future we are talking about. That’s why, as I mentioned in all those papers, Ukraine is our strongest ally and partner, and we pay the right attention to Ukraine's participation in all programs and decisions aimed at creating a stronger and more resilient response to anyone who might challenge our European present and future,” the politician stressed.

• On March 4, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a new EU initiative aimed at strengthening the bloc’s defense industry and military capabilities.
• On March 20, the European Council’s website reported that the final document of the European Council regarding the summit on Ukraine was supported by all EU member states except Hungary.
• On March 21, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the leaders of the European Union had agreed on a plan to strengthen defense capabilities against Russia by 2030.