Lithuanian president supports EU army concept but not as NATO alternative

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has voiced conditional support for the creation of a European Union army, but only if it strengthens rather than replaces NATO’s role in Europe, LRT reports.

Speaking in an interview with LRT Television, Nausėda stated that a common EU military force would be unacceptable if framed as a substitute for NATO operations or defence plans. “If [the EU army] is interpreted as some kind of replacement for NATO actions, NATO objectives, or defence plans, then the attitude would certainly be negative,” he said.

However, he added that if the initiative reflects Europe’s ambition to play a larger role within NATO’s structure, “then such initiatives should undoubtedly be supported.”

The debate follows a proposal by EU Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius to establish a 100,000-strong EU army, arguing it could reinforce NATO’s capabilities in Europe. Kubilius noted that NATO itself is likely to evolve, telling LRT: “Whether presidents, military experts, or national governments, when they talk about NATO, they must understand that NATO will inevitably change.”

EU defence spending has surged in recent years, rising 62.8% between 2020 and 2025 to reach €381 billion last year. The bloc has also launched a €150 billion defence loan facility (SAFE) to bolster member states’ military capacities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to mobilise €800 billion for European defence under the “ReArm Europe” plan, which includes budget exemptions allowing states to exclude 1.5% of GDP spent on defence over four years from deficit calculations.