“We are at a pivotal moment in history—one that demands not just words, but real action. We cannot wait any longer. We need to decisively and substantially strengthen Europe’s defense and step up support for Ukraine. This requires significant funding, real capabilities, and concrete solutions,” the President stated.
The Lithuanian leader emphasized that special attention and funding should be directed to the EU’s eastern border countries, which protect the EU’s external border.
He welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to mobilize €800 billion for European defense. “We must significantly increase EU defense spending through a more flexible fiscal policy, reallocating unused EU budget funds, and adapting the European Investment Bank’s lending policy to meet defense needs,” the Head of State pointed out.
The President also called for EU Member States to set a new defense spending target of at least 3% of GDP, with the view of further increasing it over time.
Addressing military needs, Gitanas Nausėda underscored the importance of air and missile defense, ammunition production, and military mobility.
The President pointed out that Ukraine has been fighting Russian aggression for a fourth year, with its soldiers shedding blood not only for their own freedom but for the freedom of all of Europe. “We cannot allow Russia to further expand its military capabilities. We have to bolster Ukraine’s position and provide it with reliable security guarantees,” the President underlined.
On transatlantic relations, the Lithuanian leader emphasized: “We need to focus on two key objectives—a mutually beneficial transatlantic agenda and a stronger EU that defends European interests. Europe must demonstrate its ability to act through real action: increasing defense budgets, strengthening defense industry capabilities, and providing even greater support for Ukraine.”
