Europe's defense commitment stronger than ever: EU foreign policy chief

BRUSSELS

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Thursday that Europe's commitment to defense is stronger than ever, highlighting the €800 billion ReArm Initiative as a key step to boost European security.

Speaking at the press conference after the Weimar+ ministerial meeting in Rome alongside Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Poland's Radosław Sikorski, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Ukraine's Andrii Sybiha, and Germany's Johann Wadephul, Kallas stressed that the initiative will enhance Europe's defense capabilities.

"Next week, the EU will also propose greater flexibility for government defense procurement and improved access to financing. This has been one of the issues that the defense industry is raising to make it more agile," she said.

Kallas also reiterated EU's support to Ukraine, saying: "In 2025 the European Union provided the most military support since the beginning of the war but our ambition should be doing even more, because Ukraine is defending itself and Russia shows no signs of stopping."

Rutte echoed the need for increased defense spending and industrial production, warning Russia could threaten NATO territory within five years.

Iran nuclear talks

Addressing escalating tensions in the Middle East, Kallas argued Europe "has not abandoned" the Iran nuclear issue despite the US negotiating separately. She emphasized ongoing EU contacts with Iran over broader concerns including Tehran's support for Russia, detention of EU citizens, and cyberattacks.

Kallas said a decision on the JCPOA deadlines and mechanisms must be made by summer’s end, adding that while the E3 (France, Germany, UK) have a key role, the full EU, all 27 members, must agree to lift or reinstate sanctions on Iran.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. The US, during President Donald Trump's first term, withdrew from the deal and is now seeking a new one.

European ministers reaffirm NATO unity

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK and the EU high representative reaffirmed their commitment to "a stronger, more sovereign Europe," pledging closer cooperation on collective defense and enhanced contributions to NATO.

Calling for increased European responsibility in defense, the ministers advocated for higher national defense spending, joint procurement, and stronger industrial and technological capabilities within the EU, while underlining the complementarity between EU and NATO efforts.

They reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, welcoming Kyiv's commitment to a 30-day ceasefire and calling on Russia to reciprocate and abandon "maximalist preconditions." The ministers welcomed Türkiye's role in peace facilitation and reaffirmed their readiness to support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter.

The ministers underscored the need to provide adequate security guarantees for Ukraine, including a strong national defense and arms industry. "We will also continue working with the US on this," the statement added.

They also urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the urgent resumption of humanitarian aid.