European Council president, Charles Michel, announced that the proposal by Poland and Greece to establish a common EU air defense shield has received widespread support from EU member states.
Speaking in Brussels on Monday, Michel emphasized the need for increased EU investment in defense, aligning the proposed Europe-wide air defense system with NATO's strategic objectives.
On May 23, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, advocating for a comprehensive air defense shield to secure Europe from aircraft, missiles, and drones.
They asserted that European safety depends on secure skies, urging the EU to implement a new flagship air defense program.
Michel highlighted that EU leaders are also keen on developing projects in cyberspace and outer space, recognizing the EU’s potential role in these domains due to varying development levels among member states.
Additionally, Michel noted that EU leaders agreed on channeling European Investment Bank funds into common EU defense initiatives.
He affirmed the EU’s commitment to coherence with NATO, suggesting that the air shield project could be financed by the EU while supervised by NATO, reinforcing the collaboration between the two organizations.
Praising the air shield initiative, Michel stated that it would enhance the EU’s influence and demonstrate its strength as an ally.
He clarified that the European Council does not intend to replicate NATO’s structure but acknowledged the shift in focus towards defense readiness over the past few years.
Michel concluded that the current geopolitical landscape necessitates stronger capabilities and more tools to protect EU interests and citizens.
On May 23, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, advocating for a comprehensive air defense shield to secure Europe from aircraft, missiles, and drones.
They asserted that European safety depends on secure skies, urging the EU to implement a new flagship air defense program.
Michel highlighted that EU leaders are also keen on developing projects in cyberspace and outer space, recognizing the EU’s potential role in these domains due to varying development levels among member states.
Additionally, Michel noted that EU leaders agreed on channeling European Investment Bank funds into common EU defense initiatives.
He affirmed the EU’s commitment to coherence with NATO, suggesting that the air shield project could be financed by the EU while supervised by NATO, reinforcing the collaboration between the two organizations.
Praising the air shield initiative, Michel stated that it would enhance the EU’s influence and demonstrate its strength as an ally.
He clarified that the European Council does not intend to replicate NATO’s structure but acknowledged the shift in focus towards defense readiness over the past few years.
Michel concluded that the current geopolitical landscape necessitates stronger capabilities and more tools to protect EU interests and citizens.
Source: TVP World, PAP
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