Margarita Robles holds a conversation with the EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during a telephone conversation with European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, has held a telephone conversation with the EU's Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius. Both authorities agreed on the advisability of maintaining direct contact, especially at this time of strong impetus for the "Defence Union", which they consider to be of great importance in view of the security challenges of the current international context.

They also agreed on the opportunity to take a decisive leap forward in supporting the European Defence Industry to contribute to making it stronger and more resilient by means of priority projects and funding.

In this regard, they addressed the urgent need to maintain current funding measures and to address new ones, which are necessary for priority defence projects. This, they said, is of vital importance if Europe is to equip itself with the necessary capabilities to strengthen its security and defence and, at the same time, to strengthen NATO, which is the other pillar of Euro-Atlantic security.

Robles insisted on the importance of maintaining a joint and omnidirectional assessment of threats on a permanent basis, with particular attention to those coming from the Eastern flank as a consequence of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and those coming from the Southern flank, specifically mentioning the important security challenges present in the Sahel.

Lafor, the Minister for Defence reiterated Spain's commitment to supporting Ukraine and the aspiration that the whole of Europe should, without fail, contribute to strengthening this country, as an essential step towards achieving lasting peace in Ukraine and throughout the continent.

The European Commissioner and Minister Robles pledged to continue working in close coordination to promote the Defence Union.

Non official translation