Defense commission nominee says Von der Leyen is preparing EU for war
The EU’s leading defense nominee has stated that a key focus for the upcoming European Commission will be to prepare Europe for war. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
**The bloc must focus on arming Ukraine, Andrius Kubilius has claimed**
A primary goal for the next European Commission will be to ensure that the EU can operate independently and is prepared for military conflicts, as the US is likely to shift its attention toward China in the coming decades, according to Andrius Kubilius, the nominee for the EU’s inaugural commissioner for defense and space.
Kubilius made these remarks during his confirmation hearing in Brussels on Wednesday, following his nomination by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the newly created position. The incoming commission is anticipated to start its term on December 1.
“Defense is one of the top priorities for the next Commission,” Kubilius told members of the European Parliament (MEPs). “Von der Leyen’s mission letter tasks me with helping Europe prepare for the most extreme military contingencies, which means preparing for the possibility of Russian aggression.”
While the policies of the upcoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump remain uncertain, he noted, “we can anticipate that in the coming decades, the US is likely to increase its focus on the strategic challenge posed by China.” This changing focus “necessitates a more self-reliant European defense structure,” he emphasized.
Kubilius pointed out that “adversaries and strategic rivals are rapidly outpacing us,” highlighting concerns over defense spending by Russia and China. He estimated that Russia's defense budget will surpass the combined military expenditures of all 27 EU member states when adjusted for purchasing power parity.
He further stated that the most effective defense strategy for the EU would be to maintain its support for Ukraine. Since 2022, the EU has provided nearly €120 billion in aid to Ukraine, with an additional €74 billion pledged but not yet allocated, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
As underscored by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, investing in the security of Ukraine represents the best strategy for enhancing European security.
Brussels officials are currently awaiting the results of the US elections to outline their subsequent actions regarding support for Ukraine, as reported by Deutsche Welle earlier this week. During his campaign, Trump suggested that he might reduce funding for Kyiv and redirect attention to domestic concerns.
In the meantime, the departing Biden administration plans to expedite billions in military assistance to Kyiv to strengthen the Ukrainian military before Trump assumes office in January, as reported by Reuters and PMG on Wednesday, citing anonymous sources.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
A primary goal for the next European Commission will be to ensure that the EU can operate independently and is prepared for military conflicts, as the US is likely to shift its attention toward China in the coming decades, according to Andrius Kubilius, the nominee for the EU’s inaugural commissioner for defense and space.
Kubilius made these remarks during his confirmation hearing in Brussels on Wednesday, following his nomination by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the newly created position. The incoming commission is anticipated to start its term on December 1.
“Defense is one of the top priorities for the next Commission,” Kubilius told members of the European Parliament (MEPs). “Von der Leyen’s mission letter tasks me with helping Europe prepare for the most extreme military contingencies, which means preparing for the possibility of Russian aggression.”
While the policies of the upcoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump remain uncertain, he noted, “we can anticipate that in the coming decades, the US is likely to increase its focus on the strategic challenge posed by China.” This changing focus “necessitates a more self-reliant European defense structure,” he emphasized.
Kubilius pointed out that “adversaries and strategic rivals are rapidly outpacing us,” highlighting concerns over defense spending by Russia and China. He estimated that Russia's defense budget will surpass the combined military expenditures of all 27 EU member states when adjusted for purchasing power parity.
He further stated that the most effective defense strategy for the EU would be to maintain its support for Ukraine. Since 2022, the EU has provided nearly €120 billion in aid to Ukraine, with an additional €74 billion pledged but not yet allocated, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
As underscored by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, investing in the security of Ukraine represents the best strategy for enhancing European security.
Brussels officials are currently awaiting the results of the US elections to outline their subsequent actions regarding support for Ukraine, as reported by Deutsche Welle earlier this week. During his campaign, Trump suggested that he might reduce funding for Kyiv and redirect attention to domestic concerns.
In the meantime, the departing Biden administration plans to expedite billions in military assistance to Kyiv to strengthen the Ukrainian military before Trump assumes office in January, as reported by Reuters and PMG on Wednesday, citing anonymous sources.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
