EU states reject Kallas initiative on new European defense group

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas' initiative to establish an expert group of prominent former politicians and military leaders to develop new solutions for European defense has failed to win support from several EU member states, European External Action Service spokesperson Christian Wigand confirmed at a briefing in Brussels, Report's European bureau informs.

The participants of the group were due to be presented on Monday, September 7, but the event was canceled at the last minute. According to European media reports, France, Germany and Italy opposed the initiative.

"It was initially planned for this morning. Some member states felt that this is not the path to pursue at this time," Wigand said.

He said that following discussions with EU foreign ministers, it was decided not to proceed with the initiative and instead seek new ways of engaging with member states.

At the same time, Wigand stressed that Kallas' assessment of the situation had not changed: Europe needs to move faster in delivering results in the field of defense.

Kallas announced the creation of the group on September 1 following an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Ireland. It was intended to bring together former senior political and military leaders from several EU countries, as well as the UK and Ukraine.

Under Kallas' plan, the group was expected to prepare a report containing concrete recommendations for European defense.

The EU foreign policy chief has emphasized that NATO remains the foundation of European security, but Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its own defense and should not seek to fully replicate US military capabilities.

According to Kallas, the EU should leverage its own strengths, including its defense industry and Ukraine's experience, and focus on protecting European territory.