In an interview with Italy’s La Repubblica, conducted during the Munich Security Conference, Kubilius said he would propose “institutionalizing the E5 format,” an informal grouping of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom that has been used in discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine.
“I believe a European Security Council is needed,” Kubilius said, referring to an idea previously associated with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. He suggested permanent members could include Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Poland, possibly joined by the United Kingdom and the heads of EU institutions.
Kubilius said other EU states could serve as rotating members and that the body should have decision-making powers, which could require treaty changes. “For now, this format should be institutionalized and made permanent,” he said.
Asked about a European army, Kubilius stressed that national forces would not be replaced, but Europe must be ready to compensate for any U.S. troops or resources withdrawn from the continent. “We need armed forces of 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers to serve as the backbone of Europe’s security,” he said, adding that the EU must consider how to ensure a future rapid reaction force.
The Lithuanian commissioner also warned that “Russia is the greatest threat to Europe,” arguing that even a peace settlement in Ukraine would not end Moscow’s war-driven economy. He said Russia’s defense spending, adjusted for purchasing power, amounts to “85% of what all Europeans spend on defense.”
Kubilius cautioned that Russia “could be ready to attack us in the coming years, even as soon as next year,” and warned that NATO’s Article 5 could be tested using “millions of drones,” adding that Europe is still unprepared to defend itself against such a threat.
(jh)
Source: PAP