Lithuanian FM Opposes Independent EU Defense Structure
In remarks made to Anadolu on Saturday at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, Budrys questioned whether European countries could realistically operate independently in defense matters while still struggling to meet existing NATO commitments.
"European nations are not doing enough. If we are not doing enough for the NATO plans and targets, with the United States included, how come we can do this alone?" The foreign minister said.
His comments come amid renewed debate over the idea of a “European army.” Budrys warned that duplicating NATO’s capabilities would weaken efficiency rather than improve security.
Instead, he called for reinforcing NATO’s European dimension, stressing broader participation beyond the European Union.
"We have to strengthen the European pillar of NATO," he said, adding that this structure should also include partners such as "Türkiye, the UK, Norway and others."
He also pointed to the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara as an important moment for alliance cohesion, saying it would serve as a key test of whether member states can reaffirm their commitments and maintain unity in the face of global security challenges.
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