The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, met today in Madrid with the Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, to discuss the need to move towards a genuine common defence policy in the European Union.
The Minister defended a strong European Union that contributes to guaranteeing our security, our territorial integrity and our values, and that strengthens the European pillar in NATO.
In line with other major advances in European integration, such as the achievement of the Schengen Area and the establishment of the euro, this objective will require decisive political will, to which Spain is willing to contribute. To this end, the minister recalled the need for adequate funding, integration of the European defence industry and the progressive integration of the European Union's armed forces.
‘Europe must take a leap forward in its sovereignty, and that means having greater deterrence and defence capabilities in our own hands. We have the opportunity and the potential to do so, but we also need political will. Spain has it,’ said Albares.
During the meeting, other issues were also addressed, such as relations between the EU and NATO and the need for greater collaboration between the two organisations.
For images of the meeting, click
here
.