A.Kubilius warned that Europe is significantly lagging behind Russia and Ukraine in missile production, as its companies manufacture complex and expensive weapons, the production of which is difficult to accelerate.
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“Europeans produce what they call ‘high fashion’ (Fr. haute couture). Technologically very complex, very advanced, very expensive weapons unsuitable for mass production,” he said. “Ukrainians produce what this European industry branch considers ‘good enough’.
According to the European Commissioner, Europe must learn from Ukraine’s wartime methods and move towards cheaper systems that can be produced quickly and on a large scale.
“Ukrainians started producing their own ‘Flamingo’ cruise missiles and are ready to produce about 700 units this year,” A.Kubilius reminded and noted that at the same time the European Union has produced fewer than 300 missiles, while Russia – 1200.
Moreover, the former Lithuanian Prime Minister urged countries to open their weapons reserves to supply Ukraine: “Governments should open their stocks and supply Ukraine with everything it needs.”
According to him, Ukraine could buy weapons from the EU from existing stocks, using 60 billion euros from the recently received 90 billion euro loan. Then sellers could use the funds to purchase additional weapons or increase production.
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A.Kubilius emphasized that strengthening the Ukrainian army will become even more important if Europe reopens official negotiation channels with Russia.
“The only formula that can bring peace is the so-called peace through strength. The strength must be on Ukraine’s side, and Europe can help,” he explained.
His call came at a time when the EU is preparing initiatives aimed at increasing defense production volumes and reducing fragmentation in the European arms industry.
Brussels is expected to present a plan in July on how to create a more integrated market. The proposal aims to address the problem of differences in national regulations and public procurement practices, which, according to A.Kubilius, have essentially closed defense markets and hinder cross-border industrial cooperation in defense.
“There really is no market, and there are plenty of obstacles,” the European Commissioner pointed out.
He noted that national governments strongly protect their country’s defense industry leaders, and large countries such as France and Germany buy 70% of the products made by their industry, selling only about 10% to other EU countries.
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