Peacetime Rules No Longer Work — Kubilius On Streamlining Defense Procedures In EU

The European Union must fundamentally revise its peacetime rules and construct a more expansive European defense architecture capable of deterring threats to the continent, according to EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius. Kubilius made his remarks after debates in the European Parliament regarding three legislative acts of the Omnibus V package.

These acts aim to expedite permitting procedures for defense readiness projects, simplify the movement of defense products within the EU, and streamline procurement in the security and defense sectors.

Kubilius emphasized that the current defense readiness buildup speed is critical due to the immediacy of threats, while adapting European rules is a time-consuming process. He stated, "We still live under many old rules that were created in peacetime, when defense needs were sometimes forgotten." Kubilius highlighted that the previously reached agreement on the defense omnibus is merely the start of a broader revision of European rules.

According to Kubilius, the changes taking place in the defense sector are akin to a once-in-a-century event. He stressed the need to transform the collective defense architecture established after NATO's founding in 1949, considering the new strategic decisions of transatlantic partners. Kubilius rejected claims that this is about the European Commission assuming additional powers, emphasizing that EU states must collaborate to build a structure enabling Europe to defend itself and deter threats.

A vote on the relevant legislative texts is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16. Kubilius advocated for the establishment of a European Defense Union, advocating for a significantly more European collective defense architecture.