[By Guancha Observer Network, Liu Chenghui] Since the Trump administration took office, the US and Europe have seen increasing differences in economic and trade as well as defense matters. However, Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defense and Aerospace Affairs, warned on May 29 that facing multiple challenges such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict and US withdrawal, the EU needs to turn crises into opportunities by increasing military spending to strengthen its defense autonomy. He also reminded the EU to reduce complaints about the US and avoid reaching an "angry divorce" with the US.

According to Politico, Kubilius said in a speech on that day that Europe needs to prepare for the reduced presence of US troops on the continent and increase investment to arm itself, help Ukraine, and resist Russia.

"On European defense issues, we not only have the possibility but almost inevitably need self-reliance because Americans will withdraw from Europe more and more," he explained, adding that although the US will not abandon NATO, it is shifting its attention to the Indo-Pacific region due to China's growing military threat.

Kubilius particularly mentioned that Europeans must adjust their mindset, "complain less about being betrayed by the US, and make rational preparations for the division of transatlantic responsibilities."

He said this was done to "avoid an emotional and angry divorce."

Kubilius' speech, Politico website

It is worth noting that the Trump administration has recently released signals of strategic contraction. Earlier this month, US Defense Secretary Higceth instructed Deputy Secretary of Defense Colby to begin formulating the 2025 National Defense Strategy. This strategy will prioritize homeland defense, deterrence against China in the Indo-Pacific, and burden-sharing among allies.

Earlier, US Vice President Vance said in a speech that America's "absolute dominance era" had ended, and it would adjust its previous nation-building and interventionist foreign policies toward other countries, focusing more on America's "core interests." The US military will avoid getting involved in long-term conflicts.

Kubilius said that given the possible US withdrawal from Europe, the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, and intelligence reports indicating that Russia may become more aggressive, Europe is now facing a "perfect storm," which could lead to a deep crisis.

"If Russia invades NATO or an EU member state, we will face a Russian army that has been battle-tested and equipped with millions of drones," he said. "Are we prepared for this? I doubt it."

Kubilius also said that the EU should not panic but should prepare. "As the saying goes: never waste a good crisis; use it to make bold decisions and reforms."

He hoped that EU member states could fill the "huge gaps" in defense readiness.

"Material preparation means significantly increasing research and procurement of new weapons, as well as enhancing industrial production capabilities on the European continent. For this, we need sufficient financial resources."

He revealed that NATO might request member states to raise their military targets by 30% at next month's The Hague summit, but currently, there is still a 30% gap in achieving the set goals.

The report stated that to achieve the new goals, Europe must enhance industrial production and strengthen "strategic drivers" such as space intelligence, command and control centers, and heavy airlift capabilities, in which Europe heavily relies on the US.

"This will certainly require a lot of funds," Kubilius said, estimating that European allies may need up to $1 trillion to replace the current contributions made by the US within NATO, according to estimates from the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Kubilius emphasized that while strengthening autonomous defense, the EU must continue to support Ukraine militarily. The newly approved 15 billion euro "European Security Action" (SAFE) weapons loan mechanism can finance dual objectives, promising to "achieve breakthroughs in aid to Ukraine."

Given Ukraine's combat experience and the escalation of the Russian threat, Kubilius advocated that Ukraine should become a core component of the new European security architecture alongside the UK.

"Can peace and victory be achieved in Ukraine after the US withdrawal?" he responded, "My answer is yes! It is possible."

Kubilius served twice as Prime Minister of Lithuania and is the leader of the Conservative Party, the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democratic Party. Last September, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the nomination of Kubilius as EU Commissioner for Defense and Aerospace Affairs.

On March 19, Kubilius held a press conference with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell to introduce the "White Paper on the Future of European Defense" and the "European Re-Arming Plan/2030 Readiness Plan." The White Paper outlined methods to improve production and readiness levels and urged member states to increase spending and improve the quality of spending.

German Chancellor Merz said on May 26 that Germany and EU countries will continue to support Ukraine. Germany and its allies are no longer limiting the range of weapons provided to Ukraine.

Merz said that the UK, France, and the US are supplying cruise missiles to Ukraine, and Germany will join them. However, he did not clarify whether this meant Germany would provide "Taurus" long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine.

On the 28th, Merz said during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Berlin that Germany would provide financial support to help Ukraine produce long-range missiles domestically, marking the beginning of a "new type of military-industrial cooperation" between Germany and Ukraine, which has "great potential."

According to Merz, these weapons have no range restrictions and can be used by the Ukrainian military to strike military targets inside Russia.

In response to Merz's remarks, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said on the 26th that canceling restrictions on providing long-range strike weapons to Ukraine would be a very dangerous move, going against Russia's efforts to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts. On the 28th, he again criticized Merz's remarks on long-range weapons, saying they hindered the peace process on the Ukrainian issue and would prolong the military action.

This article is an exclusive contribution from the Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7509825588205224500/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Please express your attitude by using the "like/dislike" buttons below.