According to the President, the EU needs a new approach to its security and defense. Ongoing aggression of Russia, cyber and information attacks, and terrorism threats demand a new quality of cooperation between EU member states – strengthening the effectiveness of EU military industry and filling security gaps without overlapping NATO.
Each year, EU member states spend almost 227 billion euros on defense. It is the second highest defense spending in the world, nevertheless, their cooperation on defense remains fragmented.
EU treaties allow the willing countries to establish a closer cooperation on defense and security but this possibility has not been put to use until now. The European Council stressed the need to enhance the integration of EU defense and discussed possible areas for cooperation. According to Dalia Grybauskaitė, response to hybrid threats, cyber security, fighting against propaganda and effective protection of external borders are the areas where an active role of the EU is needed most.
EU leaders discussed progress in establishing the European Defense Fund to promote the development of defense technologies, facilitate the modernization of EU military industry, and more effective use of defense funding. Lithuanian enterprises and scientists will be eligible for the funding from the European Defense Fund for contributing to the security of the European Union through innovative cyber security solutions, drone and other types of technologies.
The meeting of the heads of state or government is held after the terror attacks in Stockholm, Manchester and London that shook entire Europe. Therefore, the spread of online radicalization is in the focus of the European Council meeting. National leaders seek to enhance collaboration with the global internet giants Google, Youtube and Facebook for automatic detection of contents inciting hatred and its deletion from social networks. These measures may facilitate fighting against the spread of propaganda which is in the interest of Lithuania.
The European Council also reviewed security situation in the EU’s neighborhood. The EU leaders extended sanctions against Russia as it continues aggression in Ukraine and violates the Minsk agreements. According to the OSCE, the number of armistice violations has already reached the two-year record.
The leaders of the EU also discussed opened Brexit negotiations. The protection of EU citizens‘ rights remain top priority. National leaders also endorsed criteria for establishing cities for the relocation of the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority.
The EU member states’ leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to lead the fight against climate change as established in the Paris Agreement on climate change.
