“Today we have approved the Strategic Compass. In the face of Russia's aggression in Ukraine, EU countries reached an important consensus and sent a message to the world about the EU's determination to strengthen its defence and to help its partners,” said Minister of National Defence A. Anušauskas.
The EU Strategic Compass identifies Russia as “a long-term and direct threat to European security”. According to A. Anušauskas, that is a significant step forward in developing a shared threat perception.
Minister also pointed out it would take time to put the objectives defined in the Strategic Compass into practice, while the European Union should take action to strengthen its security right now. A. Anušauskas called for immediate increase in defence spending and a review of the Multiannual Financial Framework, as well as increase the funding for military mobility initiative.
“We need to ensure the strategic partners, first and foremost the U.S., are involved in the European defence initiatives and also to step up further the EU support to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia,” said A. Anušauskas.
