In a meeting held in Warsaw on 3rd April, the Foreign Affairs Council convened in its Defence configuration to reinforce Europe’s commitment to Ukraine and discuss the future of European security.
Amid rising concerns over future Russian aggression, EU ministers gathered to deliberate on rearmament strategies and the European Commission’s White Paper on European Defence.
Chaired by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, alongside Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the meeting underscored Europe’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine. Ministers from across the bloc reaffirmed that now is not the moment to scale back support, with significant pledges made to bolster Kyiv’s defences.
Among the most notable commitments were an additional €2 billion from France, €12 billion from Germany, and €1.4 billion in military aid from Sweden. Speaking to the press, Kallas stressed the real-world impact of these contributions: “These contributions are not just numbers; the money will save lives.”
Europe’s immediate priority, she added, is ensuring the delivery of two million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine by the end of this year, a goal set forth by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself. “This is both realistic and achievable,” Kallas asserted, highlighting the urgency of the situation on the ground.
The council’s discussions extended beyond immediate military aid to the broader question of European security in a post-war Ukraine. Ministers acknowledged that any lasting peace would necessitate sustained European support, including robust security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression.
“It is not just about winning the war,” one EU diplomat noted. “It’s about securing the peace that follows.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the meeting, with officials stressing that Europe’s engagement with Ukraine must not wane once the conflict subsides.
Security guarantees remain a contentious issue, with discussions ongoing about the most effective framework. While NATO membership remains a long-term ambition for Ukraine, alternative security arrangements are being explored to provide Kyiv with the necessary deterrence against any renewed hostilities.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov joined the discussions remotely, offering an update on Ukraine’s battlefield requirements and the evolving security landscape. NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska was also in attendance, reinforcing the alliance’s continued role in supporting Ukraine.
The meeting in Warsaw comes at a crucial juncture as Europe recalibrates its defence strategies in the face of Russian belligerence. European nations have already increased defence spending and ramped up weapons production, with the war serving as a wake-up call for the continent’s security apparatus.
“We are in a new era,” said one senior EU official. “Europe must take its security into its own hands while standing shoulder to shoulder with our transatlantic allies.”
Despite Europe’s firm stance, challenges remain. Defence supply chains are strained, and some member states have struggled to meet previous commitments. The European Defence White Paper, which was also discussed during the meeting, aims to address these issues by streamlining procurement and enhancing military cooperation across borders.
Meanwhile, as Ukraine prepares for what is expected to be another year of gruelling combat, the stakes could not be higher. European leaders recognise that failure to support Kyiv now could embolden Moscow and imperil the continent’s security for years to come.
As Kallas and Kosiniak-Kamysz made clear in their closing remarks, Europe’s pledge to Ukraine is not just about repelling an invader but about ensuring a secure and stable future for the continent.
Following the meeting Kallas said: “The European Union has many tools at its disposal, from funding Ukraine’s defence industry to expanding training programs for Ukrainian soldiers and also tightening sanctions that put pressure on Russia – because the strongest security guarantee is a strong Ukrainian military.
“We also discussed the Europeans’ own defence. Russia will remain a long-term threat to the European Union, no matter the outcome of its war in Ukraine. So, strengthening Europe’s own defence capabilities is also crucial.
“The best way to prevent a war is to be unmistakably ready to win one.”
The Warsaw meeting has reaffirmed Europe’s determination to stand firm—both in the short term and for the long haul.
Story/Image: EU Neighbours East
