Lithuania’s defence minister urges focus on NATO strength over EU defence duplication

Lithuania’s defence minister has called for an end to debates over potential duplication between NATO and proposed EU defence structures, urging a focus on strengthening transatlantic military readiness instead, LRT reports.

Speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels, Robertas Kaunas emphasised the need to avoid overlapping efforts between NATO, the EU, and other international formats. “Let’s not waste energy discussing a European army or other formats that duplicate the NATO Alliance,” he said in a statement on Tuesday. “We must concentrate on reinforcing NATO’s—and by extension Europe’s—military capabilities and preparedness.”

Kaunas argued that better coordination would ensure more effective use of limited resources. His remarks follow a proposal last month by EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius for a new intergovernmental European treaty to create a defence union, framed as a way to bolster Europe’s security should US attention shift toward the Indo-Pacific region. Kubilius has stressed that the initiative aims to “strengthen the European pillar within NATO,” not replace the Alliance, and could include non-EU states such as the UK, Ukraine, and Norway.

The minister also highlighted the importance of integrating Ukraine into Europe’s defence industry while sustaining military support. “We must maintain flexibility in arms supplies and encourage joint projects with Ukraine—technology transfers and co-production,” he said, noting that critical equipment, particularly air defence systems and ammunition, should be procured wherever timely production is guaranteed, including from the US.

EU defence ministers agreed on the need for Europe to adapt to a new security reality, with Kaunas warning that Russia currently outproduces the entire continent in weapons and munitions by a factor of four. “Europe must become an equal and respected force in defence and security,” he stated.

Kaunas also participated in a meeting of the European Defence Agency’s Steering Board, where he underscored that defence innovation must align with member states’ real needs and lessons from Ukraine’s war. The discussions included preparations for Lithuania’s upcoming EU presidency and key priorities: increasing defence investment, enhancing military mobility, and continued support for Ukraine.