Increasing its operational readiness EUROPE. and common defense capabilities are being discussed today at Brussels council of defense ministers and high representative Joseph Borrellwith the aim of maximizing cooperation between Member States and reducing fragmentation in the procurement of equipment.

Over a working lunch, the ministers will have an informal exchange of views with the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg and Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Alexey Reznikovwho will participate in the videoconference mode.

“The security landscape in Europe is changing, we are facing challenges, it is obvious – the entire continent is suffering from the war in Ukraine, and we need to strengthen and build up our common security and defense policy,” said the head of European diplomacy, arriving at the meeting.

Mr. Borrell emphasized that in order for the European military to function at its best and be ready for combat, closer convergence and joint defense equipment procurement will be required to better manage defense resources.

At present, European armies have different types of helicopters, tanks and other defense equipment, which leads to a lot of fragmentation, which affects maintenance costs.

Since most of the European armies sent equipment to support the Ukrainian forces, there was a need for resupply. Brussels’ intention is for member states to approach the defense industry as a block to jointly procure defense equipment and achieve the best price, a lesson Mr Borel said was learned from the experience of buying vaccines to fight the pandemic.

Two scenarios for the rapid deployment of troops

In addition, during the meeting, Member States will explore two operational scenarios for rapid deployment capabilities that underpin the EU’s strategic compass to strengthen joint defense and security preparedness. In this context, the High Representative noted that an important issue will be the practical implementation of the training mission for the 15,000 Ukrainian military personnel who are expected to be trained in various EU member states.

Stoltenberg: EU cooperation with NATO has become closer than ever

After his entry, G.G. NATO, speaking of the war in Ukraine, stressed that “EU cooperation with NATO is closer than ever”, reached an “unprecedented level” at a more dangerous time, while he hailed the Ukrainian army’s efforts and bravery in liberating Kherson.

However, Mr. Stoltenberg warned that it would be a mistake to underestimate the power of Russia. “Russia has a significant military potential, a large number of troops, we have seen that it is ready to take heavy losses, and we have also seen the brutality used against civilians in Ukraine,” he explained. “We must continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he concluded.

Commenting on the need for coordination between European forces and NATO, Mr. Stoltenberg said resupply was of particular importance as munitions support for Ukraine continues, and he welcomed the coordination efforts. “When Finland and Sweden join NATO, 96% of European citizens will live in a NATO country. […] In the EU, we have 9 different types of tanks, which increases costs and maintenance,” he said.

The Council meeting was preceded by the Board of Directors of the European Defense Agency.