Joined by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, they gathered to explore ways to deepen defense cooperation among member states, strengthen the transatlantic partnership, and enhance military support and potential security guarantees for Ukraine, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
Speaking at the EU Security Forum in the Polish capital on Wednesday, the bloc's commissioner for defense and space, Andrius Kubilius, warned that "within five years or even sooner, Russia may be ready and able to attack one or more EU countries."
Kubilius, citing intelligence services, underscored the urgency for Europe to prepare robust deterrence mechanisms.
Presenting a white paper on the future of European defense, Kubilius said that greater coordination among member states is vital for the EU's security.
Referencing Poland’s historic Solidarity movement, he called for a "European solidarity movement" to bolster defense capabilities.
At a joint news conference with Kubilius on Wednesday, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski hailed the long-anticipated white paper as "very well received."
He also voiced hope that US-led talks on peace in Ukraine would clarify "who truly seeks peace and who wants war."
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (right) speaks at a joint news conference with EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius in Warsaw on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański
Kubilius added that while the White Paper is a key strategic guide, “we can’t expect Putin to read our white papers."
He called on Poland to use its presidency of the EU Council to finalize implementation of the document, enabling its provisions to effectively “deter any aggressor.”
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, TVP, IAR