EU defense commissioner pledges support for Ukraine amid conflict

Andrius Kubilius has been appointed as the European Union's first defense commissioner, a role that requires him to establish a significant presence in EU defense matters. His strong support for Ukraine is evident, as he advocates for Ukraine's territorial sovereignty and emphasizes the need for continued backing from the EU to ensure peace. Kubilius has been tasked with drafting a strategic paper on the future of European defense within 100 days, focusing on military contingencies and enhancing defense capabilities. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of developing a European defense union and increasing investment in military capacity. Kubilius will also oversee the EU's military mobility corridors and work on a European air defense shield and cyber defense initiatives. His responsibilities extend to managing the EU's satellite programs, including Galileo and Copernicus, and advancing the IRIS² secure internet satellite project. Despite initial interest from major countries like Poland and France, the position has been perceived as lacking core power, which led to their withdrawal. The financial aspect of EU defense remains a contentious issue, with an estimated need of €500 billion over the next decade, but member states are divided on how to fund this, particularly regarding common debt issuance. Kubilius's political experience, including his tenure as Lithuania's prime minister, positions him well for this role. However, he faces the challenge of convincing larger member states to collaborate more effectively within the EU framework, a task that will require significant effort and cooperation with the European Parliament.