That is what the highest EU official for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, says in response to the recent American threats against Greenland. According to him, Europe's security calls for a fundamental reform in how defense issues are politically and practically organized.
The European plea for a European command structure, independent from NATO and the Americans, stems from the growing call within EU countries for a greater autonomous role on the world stage, separate from the United States. Such a plea was until recently a major taboo within the EU.
Kubilius emphasizes that the current situation, with separate national armies, is insufficient to meet joint challenges. According to him, simply spending more money on existing structures is not enough to enable Europe to act effectively.
Therefore, he also advocates changes in political decision-making. A central part of this is the establishment of a European Security Council, intended to prepare and coordinate important defense decisions more quickly.
In this context, Kubilius says that the United Kingdom (after their Brexit departure from the EU) should also have a place at such a European consultation table. Such a council would consist of a limited group of countries and EU leaders, aiming to act faster and more purposefully.
Additionally, the EU countries have decided not to order a new generation of satellites from Starlink, the space organization of American tech billionaire Elon Musk, or from SpaceX, the former NASA contractor. The new generation of European satellites will be ordered from Airbus, the Franco-British aircraft manufacturer and European aerospace company.
The satellites are being built by the Franco-British Airbus Defence and Space and are intended for a low Earth orbit. The order follows a previous purchase of 100 satellites, bringing the total to 440. Older satellites are approaching the end of their operational lifespan and need replacement.
Production takes place in Toulouse in southern France, where a special production line has been set up in the Airbus aircraft factory. The first deliveries are expected from the end of 2026, so that the network remains operational thereafter.