“If our answer is ‘no,’ [the] USA would not be stronger, then — what are we waiting for?”
Kubilius said Europe’s defense readiness depends on three pillars: more investment in production capacity; institutions that are prepared and organization; and the political will to deter and, if needed, fight.
Merely increasing funding for Europe’s existing defense setup won’t meet these requirements, he said, in part because of a lack of unity.
“We need to start to invest our money in such a way, that we would be able to fight as Europe, not just as collection of 27 national ‘bonsai armies’,” he said, borrowing a phrase from former EU High Representative Josep Borrell.
Europe could instead create — “as Jean-Claude Juncker, Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel already proposed 10 years ago” a powerful, standing “European military force” of 100,000 troops, he said.
To help solve the issue of political will, Kubilius wants to establish a European Security Council. The idea has been talked up by French President Macron and former German Chancellor Merkel.