Europe Must Strengthen Military Capabilities, Says EU Defence Chief

Europe must significantly enhance its military capabilities as the United States increasingly shifts its focus to countering China’s growing influence, the European Union’s Defence Commissioner warned on Monday.

Andrius Kubilius, speaking in Washington, emphasised the necessity for Europe to take on greater responsibility for its own defence. This comes as NATO allies recently agreed to increase their defence spending following US President Donald Trump’s push for more military burden-sharing from European nations.

A Shift in US Priorities: Focus on the Indo-Pacific

Kubilius acknowledged that the US, under its current administration, has identified China as its primary military rival and is consequently reallocating military resources towards the Indo-Pacific region.

“Europe is preparing to take responsibility for its own defence,” Kubilius told his audience. “You asked us to do that, and finally, we are moving ahead.”

He continued, noting that the United States has “the right and the reason” to shift its focus towards mitigating the rising military power of China, given the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific.

Key Points from Kubilius’ Speech:

Europe’s Defence Strategy: Time for Action

Kubilius, who also served as the Prime Minister of Lithuania, stressed that the shift in focus by the US marks a turning point for Europe. “We Europeans need to ramp up our defence capabilities,” he said, underscoring that the EU is already taking steps to bolster its military strength.

In recent months, Europe has been under increasing pressure to enhance its defence mechanisms, particularly as US foreign policy pivots more toward Asia. The EU has been striving to increase its autonomy in military affairs, an objective that is becoming more urgent as the global geopolitical landscape shifts.

Kubilius’ comments come as the EU strengthens its efforts to improve defence cooperation within Europe. The EU’s Strategic Compass, a new defence policy framework, aims to create a more integrated and cohesive security strategy among member states, ensuring they are less reliant on external forces like the US.

NATO’s Role in Defence Spending

The United States has long urged its NATO allies to increase defence spending, particularly as the geopolitical environment has become more complex. Last month, NATO members agreed to further bolster their defence budgets, addressing the increasing concerns about both Russian military activities and the broader strategic rivalry with China.

The agreement marked a significant commitment by European nations to defend their shared interests more effectively and to contribute more equitably to the alliance’s collective security.

NATO Defence Spending Agreement:

The Middle East: A Continuing Challenge

Despite the US’ shift in priorities towards Asia, unrest in the Middle East has repeatedly drawn American attention back to that region. The US has been forced to redeploy assets and military forces to the Middle East, particularly due to ongoing conflicts and the presence of terrorist organisations.

Kubilius highlighted this paradox, noting that although the US is increasingly focused on China, tensions in the Middle East continue to necessitate the redirection of American military assets.

This shift in focus has reinforced the need for Europe to strengthen its own defence capabilities, so as not to leave the region vulnerable in the face of rising threats. The EU and NATO are increasingly recognising the importance of a self-sufficient and robust defence infrastructure to protect their own interests while allowing the US to concentrate more on its Indo-Pacific strategy.