Benjamin Hartmann

European Commission. All views are personal. RT ≠ endorsement

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

We still need to understand the vital interest of Europe to have Ukraine with the best army in our security architecture and to strengthen 🇪🇺 defence. We need to increase our support to prevailing 🇺🇦 & to push for peace through strength.

Full speech ⬇️
https://t.co/FbDIr8vmnr

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Today’s agreement on Defence Readiness Omnibus brings big change: Max 100 days to wait for defence industry permits instead up to 4 yrs. Simpler procurement rules, smaller burdens.
Small steps in rules, big steps in #DefenceReadiness! We’ll continue to defragment defence market.

[SEDE Committee Press @EP_Defence]

Parliament and Council agreed today on the package of proposals to accelerate defence investment and improve the EU’s responsiveness to security challenges. It is a part of so-called “Omnibus V” EU simplification measures.
@EP_SingleMarket @EP_Industry @EP_Environment

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Timely exchange with Minister-President Daniel Günther and the Government of Schleswig-Holstein.

We discussed strengthening Europe’s defence readiness, boosting industrial capacity and the Baltic Sea region.

Regional leadership matters for #DefenceReadiness.

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Good input to the “intellectual Big-Bang”on European defence by @ecfr. Wide scope of issues, deep analysis/ideas: from European defence industry development to European Strategic Enablers, from European nuclear deterrence to the role of E5+ in pan-European defence developments.1/

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Great piece in @FT on the need of European Security Council:
1/
https://t.co/gp5R5GDqEJ

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

European defence needs not only financial & industrial, but also intellectual “big bang”.

It was a real “big bang” of ideas & suggestions on European Defence Single Market, European Defence Union, European Security Council, Ukraine, etc. 1/

[Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen]

I’m in Vilnius to send a clear message:

Europe stands in full solidarity and unity with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

And we are stepping up our support.

Because when Baltic States are being tested, Europe as a whole is being tested.

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

European Defence exhibition opened this week at @Europarl_EN in Strasbourg with opening words of @EP_President and @EP_Defence Chair @MAStrackZi.

Now it will travel across the EU MSs presenting #EUDefence 🇪🇺achievements to our citizens.

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

My keynote at the event of the 25th anniversary of the European Union Military Committee

https://t.co/3Z3dEi0bg0

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

1/ Defence industry in the EU is heavily fragmented. Why? Because of heavy national protectionism in demand and in procurement.

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Insightful overview of the future developments of European defence by President @niinisto & CEPS. All the possible options: more European NATO, new European intergovernmental treaty on defence, European Defence Union & European Security Council, etc.
1/2🧵
https://t.co/WB3ycKvUyj

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Powerful and sincere message by 🇩🇪German politician, MdB, dr. @fbrantner :

Europe is alone. In defence. The lonelier continent.

The answer - European Defence Union.

And Germany: Nie wieder allein.

1/2 🧵

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Good exchange w Anton Hofreiter, Chair of the Bundestag’s Committee on EU Affairs, & fellow Committee members. We discussed Europe’s defence architecture, defence industry, Ukraine & long-term perspective. National parliaments are key partners in turning 🇪🇺 security into action.

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Great job by German “Sparta 2.0” team! A clear plan for Europe to build crucial material defence capabilities at the cost of € 500 bln.

If NATO pledges will be implemented, MSs will spend on defence € 7 trln until 2035. More than enough to implement this plan!

1/2 🧵

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Impressive input to the debate on the future of Europe & European Defence by @AussenMinDE - with many concrete proposals.

Exactly the kind of leadership that’s needed at this time - let’s be brave in looking for answers to big questions about our future.

https://t.co/ayKC6a14Ud

[Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen]

Over the next two days, Poland and Lithuania will be the first countries to sign SAFE loan agreements.

These two plans alone are over €50 billion, to close critical capability gaps and keep our Eastern flank safe.

With SAFE, we are strengthening our defence industry all across Europe.

Delivering the capabilities we need.

Faster, together and at scale.

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Congratulations to the 🇪🇺 MEP’s for pushing forward the idea of creating European Defence Union!

That’s how Europe will become more united and stronger in defence.

🔗 https://t.co/tp1uVydjkp

[Benjamin Hartmann @bhartmann]

🇱🇹🤝🇺🇸🤝🇩🇪

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Together with Minister @robertas_kaunas of @Lithuanian_MoD I visited Pabradė training area where 🇱🇹🤝🇺🇸🤝🇩🇪 troops exercise together.

Our efforts to strengthen 🇪🇺 defence industrial base also means strengthening European pillar of NATO & EU Eastern Flank.

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Great exchange today with General Clancy, Chair of the EU Military Committee.

Europe needs to assume greater responsibility for its own defence. The EU Military Committee is doing a great job for us to be ready for such a responsibility!