The EU Commissioner criticizes the use of weapons from the USA. “Such situations give food for thought”
Kubilius, who was the first EU defense commissioner to officially visit the United States, referred to the Rearm Europe – EU fund supporting the European Armaments Industry. He emphasized that American criticism is unfounded, because EU funds are only a small part of the total defense expenditure of EU countries, which are to reach a total of $ 2 trillion.
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NATO challenges in the fight against Russia. The Commissioner calls
– Member States will spend their funds where they consider it right. Already today about 40 percent They make defense purchases in the US, while the American arms industry acquires only 1 percent from Europe. weapons – the commissioner pointed out during the EU Defense Night event.
According to Kubilius, the main barrier for wider use of American weapons – ITAR (International Traffic in ARMS Regulations), which impose restrictions on export and the use of weapons containing American components. These provisions limit the freedom of strategic operation of allies.
– If there is an invasion of Putin, we cannot fight the hands associated with our backs. That is why European weapon manufacturers are increasingly offering “Itar” products – he explained.
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Using weapons from the USA. The EU Commissioner is skeptical. “Such situations give food for thought”
The Commissioner cited an example of a situation in which the US administration blocked the possibility of Ukraine using rocket missiles with American components to attack purposes in Russia, despite the fact that similar weapons supplied by France – but without American parts – were successfully used by Ukrainians.
– Such situations give Europeans food for thought and prompt to make their own defense decisions He added.
However, Kubilius appealed for unity in activities between the USA and Europe in the context of the growing threat from Russia and China. – These challenges are related. Russia produces as many ammunition as NATO in three months – including the USA – during the year. It's disturbing – he warned.
He also drew attention to intelligence warnings, including German and American ones, which provide for the possibility of a war of war with Russia over the next three to five years. He also recalled the words of General Alexus Grynkewich, a US forces commander in Europe, who warned against the possibility of simultaneous conflicts on two fronts – in Europe and the Pacific, indicating 2027 as a potential inflammatory point.
– Europe does not want to give up cooperation with the USA, but it must also be prepared to carry out responsibility for its security – summed up Kubilius.
