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On 3 November, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys took part in a discussion entitled “Europe and NATO: Together strong against Multipolar Threats” at the 25th Berlin Security Conference, where he discussed the role of Europe and NATO in the face of growing geopolitical threats. 

The Minister stressed that NATO must remain a united and indivisible transatlantic Alliance, while Europe’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities should complement, rather than replace, the role of the United States.

“Europe needs greater unity, resolve and action. Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own defence, but this is not a choice between Europe and the United States. A stronger Europe and a stronger United States together mean a stronger NATO,” Budrys said.

During the discussion, the Minister stressed that Russia remains the greatest threat to European security, as it continues to invest in its war economy, increase arms production and conduct hostile activities against European countries.

“Russia’s ambitions are not limited to Ukraine. We are witnessing systematic hostile activities across Europe, nuclear threats and continued aggression against Ukraine. Our response must therefore be united, resolute and sustained,” the Minister said.

Budrys called for the continued comprehensive isolation of Russia and for a stronger sanctions policy by preventing sanctions circumvention, restricting the flow of technology to Russia’s military industry and ensuring accountability for the crime of aggression. The Minister also stressed that support for Ukraine must remain steadfast.

Speaking about the future of European security, the Minister emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union. According to Budrys, the Alliance’s military strength must be combined with the European Union’s economic, regulatory and technological capabilities.

“Europe today needs complementary layers of security, not duplication. We must reduce fragmentation, remove barriers to the defence industry, accelerate joint procurement and invest in defence more effectively,” Budrys said.

The Minister also stressed that these objectives would be among the key priorities of Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with a view to strengthening Europe’s resilience, defence capabilities and transatlantic security.