Baltic states show different approaches to European defense

The defense ministers of Lithuania and Estonia outlined differing approaches to strengthening European security ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in its defense configuration.

According to Report"s European bureau, Vilnius emphasized the need to reinforce NATO"s eastern flank, while Tallinn argued that the European Union"s own potential should not be underestimated.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said that "now is not the time to talk about a European army," stressing that the priority should remain achieving NATO capability targets.

"Today, Russia is capable of producing almost four or five times more weapons than the whole of Europe," he said, underscoring the need to rapidly strengthen air defense, strike and drone capabilities, as well as continue support for Ukraine.

According to him, "deterrence works only when backed by real military power," adding that reinforcing NATO's eastern flank is a key condition for Europe's security.

Meanwhile, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said the EU should play a more prominent role in enhancing Europe"s defense capabilities, although military planning remains NATO's responsibility.

"Europe needs more self-confidence," Pevkur said, noting that the EU's combined GDP of around 25 trillion euros vastly exceeds Russia's economy, while defense spending across European countries is rising rapidly.

According to him, the European Union should act as a "force multiplier" for the national defense efforts of member states by helping develop capabilities such as long-range strike systems and military mobility.

Both ministers reaffirmed the need for continued support for Ukraine and the development of Europe's defense industry. However, Lithuania placed primary emphasis on NATO as the foundation of regional security, while Estonia highlighted the EU's ability to assume greater responsibility in the defense sphere.