Latest news with #AndriusKubilius
Fox News
a day ago
- Business
- Fox News
EU defense chief warns of 'most dangerous moment' – coordinated Russian-Chinese aggression by 2027
The European Union's first-ever defense commissioner has issued a stark warning: the world's "most dangerous moment" could arrive as soon as 2027, when Russia and China may coordinate aggressive moves designed to overwhelm Western defenses. Andrius Kubilius, the EU's commissioner for defense and space, echoed recent remarks by U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top commander for air operations. Both officials highlighted 2027 as a potential flashpoint year when simultaneous military actions by Moscow and Beijing could stretch the transatlantic alliance to its limits. "The most dangerous moment can be in 2027, when both Russia and China will make these aggressive moves in a coordinated way," Kubilius told reporters during a briefing in Washington. Grynkewich had warned last week that the United States and its European allies must be prepared to fight two wars simultaneously – one in Europe, should Russian President Vladimir Putin escalate in Ukraine or Eastern Europe, and another in the Pacific if Chinese President Xi Jinping launches an invasion of Taiwan. "We're going to need every bit of kit and equipment and munitions that we can in order to beat that," Grynkewich said. In a speech later Monday evening, Kubilius said the U.S. has the "right and reason" to turn its focus to China. "We are recognizing that you, Americans, have really the right and the reason in the longer-term perspective to start to shift more and more toward the Indo-Pacific in order to mitigate Chinese rising military power," he said. "We Europeans need to ramp up our defense capabilities," the former Lithuanian prime minister said, adding: "That is what we are doing." Their warnings align with growing concerns across the U.S. defense establishment over what is often referred to as the "Davidson Window" – a term coined by former Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Philip Davidson, who testified before Congress in 2021 that China could attempt to forcibly reunify with Taiwan by 2027. The assessment has since become a widely cited benchmark for military planners preparing for a potential crisis in the Indo-Pacific. The 2027 window has taken on added urgency as China rapidly accelerates its military modernization program, aiming to achieve what Xi Jinping has called "world-class" warfighting capabilities by the People's Liberation Army's centennial in 2027. U.S. and NATO officials also fear that Russia, despite sustaining major losses in Ukraine, could reconstitute and redirect its forces toward renewed aggression in Eastern Europe by that same timeframe – placing strategic pressure on two fronts simultaneously. Kubilius traveled to Washington to assess potential shortfalls in European defense capabilities as the U.S. increasingly pivots its strategic attention toward the Indo-Pacific. He said EU member states are actively preparing for a shift in the American military posture on the continent. As of 2025, more than 80,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe – a presence widely expected to decline in the coming years as the Pentagon presses its European allies to assume greater responsibility for their own defense. "We are preparing ourselves to take responsibility on our shoulders," Kubilius said. "We don't know what Americans will decide." Kubilius emphasized that Europe must not only fund its own defense but also build it. He noted that the EU has reduced its reliance on U.S.-made weapons from 60% of total imports to 40%, and hopes to lower that dependency further through increased domestic production. As defense commissioner, Kubilius is tasked with implementing an $840 billion framework to "Re-Arm Europe," including a €150 billion loan facility available to member states for building out their armed forces and industrial capacities. Separately, NATO leaders at last month's summit in Washington agreed to a sweeping pledge to increase defense spending – raising the benchmark from 2% of GDP to 5% for member countries, a historic shift in alliance posture amid growing global instability. Adding to the sense of urgency, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would offer advanced weapons systems to Ukraine – on the condition that European partners cover the cost. Western defense ministers convened on Monday to discuss the proposed financing mechanism. "We're going to be sending Patriots to NATO and then NATO will distribute that," Trump said last week, referring to the high-value air defense systems that Kyiv has long sought. Kubilius declined to elaborate on which other weapons may be included in the package, but underscored the critical importance of maintaining unwavering support for Ukraine's defense against Russia's full-scale invasion. "China is watching," he said. "China will be able to make a conclusion that if the West is weak in Ukraine, then we can expect aggressive behavior from China against anyone."
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
What Would a 'Drone Wall' to Shield Europe's Borders Look Like?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. It is still an "unanswered question" whether countries running along NATO's eastern flank are prepared to defend against drone attacks, the European Commission's defense and space chief has said. Lithuania, a Baltic state staring down Russia, should construct a "drone wall" with its neighbors, former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius told the country's LRT broadcaster. "It's not just about producing or stockpiling drones today," Kubilius said. "We need trained teams ready to rapidly manufacture the necessary number of drones at a moment's notice, tailored to the needs of a drone wall." Russia's war on Ukraine has changed the drone game, making skillful wielding of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) an absolute must for modern armed forces. On the front lines in Ukraine, drones are being tweaked and upgraded every few weeks. As drones rapidly evolve, so too must the defenses designed to shield against the threat UAVs, as well as drones in the water or crossing on land, can pose. An instructor launches a drone during a training course for members of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet's assault units in Primorsky Krai, Russia, on July 15, 2025. An instructor launches a drone during a training course for members of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet's assault units in Primorsky Krai, Russia, on July 15, 2025. Vitaliy Ankov / Sputnik via AP A drone crossed into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, a key Russian ally, on July 10. The drone crashed close to the border as senior officials headed for shelters, domestic media reported. "This incident shows that the possibility of a drone entering Lithuanian territory is real," Kubilius said. Vilnius lodged a "strong protest" with Minsk, according to local reports. "Our message is that this is serious," said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. The concept of a "drone wall" isn't new, but its exact form along the eastern flank of NATO remains unclear. Lithuania's then-Interior Minister, Agnė Bilotaitė, said in May 2024 that a "drone border" would be established, stretching from Norway to Poland. The drones will add to physical barriers and surveillance systems to "allow us to also protect ourselves from provocations by unfriendly countries," Bilotaitė said at the time. The "wall" will also employ counter-drone technology, regional media reported at the time. It would essentially focus on ensuring that an enemy like Russia cannot operate effectively in a specific area, known as the "kill box" or "killing area," Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow in European security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank, told Newsweek. Drones could be placed on the border, including in concealed spots, while mixed in with artillery, Arnold said. Ukraine's Defense Ministry said earlier this year that President Volodymyr Zelensky had launched a "large-scale project" known as the "drone line," designed to carve out a "kill zone" of up to 15 kilometers. The "drone line" would be built using UAVs, electronic warfare systems, different types of vehicles and other equipment, Kyiv said. Several initiatives are underway to bolster NATO defenses in the east. The three Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia signed an agreement in January 2024 to beef up protection along their land borders with Russia and Belarus, known as the Baltic Defense Line. Poland has its own program, dubbed East Shield. Anti-tank defenses, like mines and concrete blocks known as dragon's teeth, also occupy NATO territory close to Russian soil. Earlier this year, the European Commission rejected funding for the drone wall. Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas said that the country would need to build up the capability on a national level. "Europe is large, interests differ, and sometimes what is a sore point and crucial for us is not so much for Europe," Paluckas said, according to Lithuanian media.
Bloomberg
7 days ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
EU Defense Chief Will Seek Clarity on Military Gaps in US Trip
The European Union's defense industry chief, Andrius Kubilius, will visit Washington this week in a bid to ensure that the US pivot to the Indo-Pacific region doesn't create gaps in Europe's security. The administration of President Donald Trump is set to unveil a potential reduction in its military presence on the continent in a troops review expected later this summer. Europe's security is still heavily reliant on the US and looking increasingly strained by Russia's continued war in Ukraine.
Euractiv
15-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Defence lobby pushes for ‘bare minimum' €100bn arms fund in next EU budget
The EU's new long-term budget should include €100 billion for defence programmes, ten times the €10 billion assigned right now, the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) said in a position paper out Tuesday. The European Commission will unveil the structure and the figures for its next seven-year budget due to start in 2028 on Wednesday, with the €100 billion figure repeatedly touted as the amount needed to seriously fund a rearmament drive. The €100 billion budget, including an innovation programme, a production boost fund and incentives for joint purchases, with a focus on buying local, 'represents the bare minimum for starting to rebuild Europe's defence industrial capacities after accumulating a defence investment deficit of €600 billion during the decades of the 'peace dividend'," the ASD position document reads, Documents seen in advance of the formal budget publication by Euractiv show the Commission is planning on merging all defence industry programme with other funds aimed at boosting strategic sectors, notably in tech and those favouring EU-made products and procurement. The €10 billion in the EU's current budget for the arms industry goes on ammo production, innovation under the European Defence Fund and procurement incentives. EU countries altogether spent €326 billion on defence in 2024 . By way of comparison, the US Department of Defense pitched nearly three times as much for next year, a whopping $961.6 billion (€818 billion). The first one to raise the €100 billion figure, was former Defence Commissioner Thierry Breton. Since then, his replacement, Andrius Kubilius, along with Saab CEO Micael Johansson and several Eastern European capitals have also pushed the figure. For French EPP MEP Christophe Gomart, defence should make up 5% of the next seven-year budget, which works out at roughly €91 billion. Defence could even rise to €100 billion, he told Euractiv, by reducing the EU's humanitarian aid or scaling down the bloc's diplomatic network. EU countries could also factor cohesion funds into their defence expenditure, he added. Charles Cohen contributed to reporting. (jp)
Euronews
15-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
EU's defence industry wants at least €100 billion under the next MFF
The €13 billion set aside for security and defence in the EU's current long-term budget (2021–2027) is a drop in the ocean when it comes to protecting Europe from serious threats, the bloc's defence, security, and space industry has warned. The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) should feature dedicated investment envelopes that 'match the scale of the ambition and the urgency of the challenge,' according to a position paper by the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), released on the eve of the Commission's proposal. Industry leaders say that means allocating around €150 billion for both defence and security across the next seven-year budget cycle, starting in 2028. In recent months, the EU has urged member states to ramp up national defence efforts and has proposed an €800 billion plan to rearm. But so far, the pace of action has fallen short of expectations. 'Despite recent increases, Europe's current rate of defence investment and procurement is inadequate to address the most extreme military contingencies,' the ASD warned in the paper. With the US shifting focus to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of potential Russian aggression looming, industry figures argued that €100 billion for defence alone is 'the bare minimum' needed to begin rebuilding Europe's defence industrial base—especially after decades of underfunding that led to a €600 billion 'defence deficit' during the so-called peace dividend era. The precise breakdown of the EU's next budget remains under wraps until Wednesday. But according to leaked documents seen by Euronews, the Commission is expected to propose a massive industrial fund that merges up to 14 existing budget lines, spanning defence, space, and technology programs. This new instrument, the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), is set to include the European Defence Fund, the Act in Support of Ammunition Production, IRIS², InvestEU, the European Defence Industry Programme, EU4Health, and LIFE, among others. The ECF will also feature a European preference clause to promote sovereignty in critical areas like digital technologies, space, biotech, security, and defence. In addition, the European Commission is weighing whether to merge its two largest budget items—the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the cohesion policy—into a single programming framework. Under this umbrella, the ECF would be used to support the bloc's growing defence and security capabilities. The European industry has also called on EU policymakers to allocate another €40 to €60 billion for space-related projects and around €23.5 billion for civil aviation. Otherwise, chronic underinvestment in aerospace, defence and security could result in weakened capabilities, delayed critical transitions and increased dependencies, the ASD claimed. EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius told Euronews in a recent interview that the next long-term budget should include more funding for space initiatives to reduce reliance on the U.S. and strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy. While he didn't provide specific figures due to ongoing negotiations, Kubilius acknowledged that maintaining current space systems alone will cost more than the €17 billion currently allocated. 'If we do not allocate enough funding and fail to start developing these space projects, by 2035 we may find ourselves in a very unattractive situation,' he warned.
