EU Defense Chief warns of possible Russian threat in coming years

(MENAFN) The EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, warned that Russia could be ready to “test” Europe in a real conflict within the next three to four years, urging the European Union to bolster its defense capabilities.

Speaking to media following talks with Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Kubilius described the discussions as “high-level strategic” and stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration to reinforce European security.

“The problem is not the present but the future. The Russian economy has become a war economy. That is why we must strengthen ourselves,” Kubilius said, citing two key challenges: the potential for Russian aggression and pressure from the United States for Europe to assume a greater role in its own defense as the US focuses more on the Indo-Pacific.

He noted that achieving full European defense capacity will take time, but new financial instruments and strategic planning are accelerating progress. Critical areas requiring attention include space-based intelligence, satellite communications, and other technologies where Europe currently relies heavily on US support.

Regarding NATO, Kubilius emphasized that while he does not expect the US to abandon the alliance, Europe must be prepared to take on increased responsibility both within NATO and for broader security matters.

On Ukraine, he proposed integrating lessons from Ukrainian forces’ battlefield experience and industrial capabilities into Europe’s defense structures. “We also need to discuss a possible European Defense Union, a new security architecture that could include the UK, Norway, and Ukraine, to consolidate Europe’s defensive capabilities. As for the idea of a European army, it is probably too early to say anything concrete. It is a difficult and complex path, but we must begin to discuss it openly, looking at the next five to ten years,” he said.

Kubilius also highlighted plans to use Russian assets seized in Europe to support Ukraine’s military and budgetary needs, while emphasizing that EU leaders will make the final decision.

“The best guarantee for Ukraine’s security is a strong army. At the same time, we should help Ukraine become a successful country after peace, including through EU integration,” he added.

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