Brussels, January 31st – The Belgian Minister of Defence, Ludivine Dedonder, hosted a crucial meeting today in Brussels, bringing together European Union Defence Ministers, chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The gathering, attended by EU Defence Policy Directors, PSC ambassadors, advisors, and military and civil EU representatives, focused on enhancing political cooperation, reflecting on security and defence matters, and fostering informal exchanges.
Key Highlights:
Ukrainian Situation and EU Support: The meeting commenced with a video message from the Ukrainian Minister of Defence, Mr. Umerov, providing insights into the current situation in the field. EU Ministers deliberated on the ongoing War of Aggression imposed by Russia and discussed the future course of EU support for Ukraine.
Operational Readiness: Significant attention was devoted to discussing the operationalization of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity, underlining the EU’s commitment to strengthening its capacity for swift and effective responses to emerging security challenges.
Defence Technological and Industrial Base: The ministers engaged in conversations about reinforcing the European defence technological and industrial base, laying the groundwork for the upcoming European Defence Industry Strategy.
International Cooperation: The meeting witnessed the participation of prominent figures including the NATO Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Van Weel, the UN Under-Secretary General, Mr. Lacroix, and the Chair of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence, Mrs. Loiseau. Discussions revolved around the operational challenges in the Sahel Region and ongoing developments in the Red Sea.
Objective and Outcome:
The objective of the meeting was to facilitate an open exchange of ideas, present national perspectives, and seek consensus on pressing security issues. The ministers aimed to address the progress made and challenges faced within the framework of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, reflecting the commitment of the European Union to maintaining a robust and unified approach in the face of evolving security dynamics.
The discussions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in navigating complex security landscapes and reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to promoting peace, stability, and resilience in the region and beyond.
