News item | 03-06-2025 | 17:38
Representatives of European government organizations today discussed how Europe can better ensure its own safety. That happened during the Clingendael symposium in Nieuwspoort in The Hague. The future of European defense was discussed. The most important speakers were Andrius Kubilius and the commander of the armed forces General Onno Eichelsheim. Kubilius is the European Commissioner for Defense and space travel and former Prime Minister Van Lithuania.
Wars, the growing hybrid threat and sabotage in the Baltic Sea are increasingly putting European safety under pressure. According to Eichelsheim, this is the time to be strong as a Europe.
“We must show that we are willing to fight for freedom and peace,” he explained. “And we must ensure that our armed forces are fully equipped, with sufficient men, equipment, ammunition and stocks. As our king noticed when he recently visited the Dutch troops: we must ensure that they are ‘armed to the teeth’.”
Examples of cooperation
European countries should work better together in the area of defense, the general emphasized. An example of this is Defort, a new platform for cooperation between defense, research institutions and the industry. Another example is Seasec that ensures safety on the seabed. The Netherlands is also committed to space travel with other European countries. “This and next year the Netherlands is launching several satellites in collaboration with Dutch industry and international partners,” said Eichelsheim.
He is not just about capacities such as combat tanks, ships or planes in collaboration with industry. “We also have to realize innovative solutions, such as drones. They can be purchased quickly, for less money and in huge numbers.” Kubilius agrees and wonders if Europe is ready to cope with the Russians. This in case they attack NATO. “While Europe knows that Putin’s troops have millions of drones behind him,” he adds.
Peace in Ukraine is peace in Europe
Kubilius: “Peace in Ukraine is peace in Europe. We have to work on that ourselves. European countries have to spend 3.5% of GDP on defense. But they must also support Ukraine. The Netherlands and the Dutch defense industry understand that.”
“The eastern border of Europe is our border,” Eichelsheim emphasizes. “Your freedom is our mission. We will continue to commit ourselves to that case. As an EU, but also as NATO. Because peace should not become a utopia for the next generation.”
The conference is an important step towards the NATO summit on 24 and 25 June. Then it is discussed how Europe and its allies can be stronger in an uncertain world.