Andrius Kubilius

NATO leaders will address challenges in converting increased defense spending into sufficient weapon production, amid concerns over Europe's reliance on the US and strained stockpiles due to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The summit in Ankara aims to finalize defense industry deals, but analysts warn Europe's current production capacity remains inadequate for prolonged conflicts.

Latvia has joined the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) lending programme, signing a €3.5 billion defence loan agreement. The funds will be used for unmanned aerial systems, anti-drone technologies, guided missiles, and expanding national defence industrial capacity.

The EU is exploring joint funding for military capabilities like air-to-air refueling to reduce reliance on U.S. assets, with estimated costs of €500 billion. The initiative aims to address concerns over U.S. commitment to NATO under President Donald Trump, though challenges include procurement control and speed of development.

Pro-Palestinian activists disrupted a planned meeting between EU defense chief Andrius Kubilius and French arms manufacturer Thales in Herstal, prompting Belgian authorities to reschedule the event to Brussels due to security concerns. The protest targeted Wallonia’s ban on military equipment transiting to Israel, which activists argue remains ineffective despite regional government support for Thales’ increased rocket production.

EU defense chief Andrius Kubilius urges member states to stop producing customized missiles and open their weapons stockpiles to support Ukraine. He emphasizes the need for unified defense strategies over bespoke military solutions.