We must be able to produce the weapons we need ourselves, said the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas before the start of today's meeting of European defense ministers in Brussels, BTA reports.
She pointed out that EU countries have sufficient means for defense, but manufacturers cannot meet demand for now. According to her, it is necessary to use joint public procurement for the acquisition of military equipment more often. Kallas noted that for now EU countries continue to produce incompatible defense products and this must change.
The High Representative explained that the EU is exploring various options for responding in the event of a military threat, related to the texts in European legislation and the Washington Treaty. Kallas specified that cases of an attack against an EU country that is part of NATO, as well as against a country that is not in the pact, but only in the EU and can only rely on European-based assistance, are being considered.
Kallas pointed out that today the European defense ministers will discuss ways to use the EU loan provided to Ukraine to cover urgent military needs, as well as the situation in the Middle East. According to her, it is possible for the EU to expand its Middle East naval mission by sending additional ships, provided that it has the necessary consent. She said that before any real peace talks in the Middle East can begin, free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must be restored. Kallas added that the EU is considering a new peacekeeping mission in Lebanon after the UN force's mandate ends.