ISTANBUL

Poland's defense minister reaffirmed on Thursday that the EU does not seek to replace NATO, but rather to strengthen the alliance by improving Europe's defense capabilities and cooperation.

"The EU does not want to replace NATO. NATO is a military alliance. It has its capabilities, but the EU is an area for development and an area of security, but in order to be able to develop, we need security," Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a press conference following an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels.

"And everybody who is trying to say that we are trying to compete with NATO, that is absolute nonsense," he added.

He highlighted that 80% of Poles support increased defense spending due to the clear threat posed by Russia.

The meeting, attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and other European defense ministers, focused on the security situation in Ukraine, the EU’s role in strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities, and closer military cooperation among member states.

Kallas, for her part, said European ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine, with new financial pledges from several EU member states.

Last week, France announced an additional €2 billion (about $2.2 billion) in aid, Germany committed up to €12 billion (approximately $13.32 billion) over the coming years, and Sweden pledged €1.4 billion (about $1.55 billion) in military support.

These contributions, Kallas noted, are essential for Ukraine’s survival and stability.

On the EU’s side, Kallas highlighted the ongoing efforts to supply Ukraine with 2 million rounds of artillery ammunition this year.

"This is both realistic and achievable. With contributions from all European allies, we can meet Ukraine’s urgent needs."

The EU is also exploring long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, which include funding Ukraine’s defense industry, expanding training programs for Ukrainian soldiers, and tightening sanctions against Russia, she added.

She also said the EU's recent White Paper on Defense outlines a plan to free up to €800 billion for defense investments, focusing on key areas such as drones, air defense, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

"Russia will remain a long-term threat to the European Union, no matter the outcome of its war in Ukraine," Kallas warned.

"The best way to prevent war is to be unmistakably ready to win one," she added.

Echoing US concerns about Europe shouldering more defense responsibilities, Kallas acknowledged that the EU must do more.

"The US has long urged European allies to spend more on defense, and we are finally responding to that call," she said.

"Some European nations are planning to reach the 5% threshold, but what matters most is operational capability, not just numbers," she added.