Pabriks urges Europe to ''deputinize'' itself

  • 2022-03-23
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - Russia's aggression in Ukraine also clearly shows that Europe needs to implement a ''deputinization'', to get rid of Russian influence, strengthen the protection of the information space and address energy dependency, Minister of Defense Artis Pabriks (For Development) said at a European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

At the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, foreign and defense ministers approved the EU's Strategic Compass, which includes an action plan to strengthen the EU's security and defense until 2030.

In the current security context, the EU-NATO strategic partnership is critical, and common capabilities need to be developed to complement collective defense needs, Pabriks said in the debate on the future of the EU's security and defense policy.

"Europe needs to invest in the security of its borders, which is especially relevant in the context of the war in Ukraine. Russia's aggression in Ukraine also clearly demonstrates the need for Europe must ''deputinize'' itself, become free from Russian influence, strengthen the protection of the information space and address energy dependency," the minister of defense said.

On the other hand, discussing future support for Ukraine, Pabriks emphasized that it was very important for the EU to clearly support Ukraine's membership in the EU. It is also important to continue to provide assistance in the form of lethal aid, strengthening Ukraine's ability to defend not only its own country but also Europe's common values and security.