Andrius Kubilius has been nominated as the new EU Defense Commissioner, a role he takes on with a strong focus on enhancing European defense capabilities.

As a former Lithuanian Prime Minister and a vocal critic of Russia, Kubilius aims to strengthen support for Ukraine, especially in light of potential reductions in U.S. aid.

His plans are expected to particularly benefit countries with robust defense industries, such as France, Italy, and Germany.

Kubilius has called for significantly increased investments in European security, emphasizing the need for a stronger defense industry in response to threats from Russia.

He argues that the EU must boost its defense spending not because of external pressures, but due to the direct threats posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During his address at the EU Parliament, Kubilius stated, 'We want peace, not war,' underscoring his commitment to maintaining stability in Europe.

The European Commission has estimated that an additional funding requirement of 500 billion euros over the next decade is necessary to bolster Europe's defense against Russia.

Kubilius warns that Russia's defense spending could surpass that of all 27 EU member states by 2025, highlighting the urgency for increased defense investments.

He emphasizes the importance of a 'Buy Europe' initiative to encourage EU countries to procure military equipment from European manufacturers rather than relying on external suppliers.

Kubilius advocates for a special status for defense spending, proposing that such expenditures should not count against EU debt rules, which currently limit borrowing to 3% of GDP.

He does not rule out the possibility of new joint debts similar to those incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, although Germany has so far rejected this idea.

During his hearing at the European Parliament, Kubilius highlighted intelligence reports suggesting that Russia may test the resolve of the EU and NATO by the end of the decade.