Defence Minister J. Naď joins EU Defence Ministers in discussing defence activities and way ahead for Union’s security and defence policy

Today, the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) debated current issues of EU security and defence policy, the latest security developments, and ways to deepen and strengthen the existing initiatives. Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď met his counterparts over video conference.

On EU activities, Ministers focused on Op EUNAVFOR MED IRINI and the ongoing situation in Libya. They took note of the need for the activities of EUTM Mali and EUCAP Sahel Mali to be resumed in order to bolster the EU’s efforts in the country. The first part of today’s discussion revealed an assessment of the international security situation – an analysis of threats to the EU from the intelligence services of the EU Member States and the related possibilities to strengthen the EU’s existing policies and initiatives.

Another major theme was the direction of defence cooperation under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). “Much attention was paid to the preparation of the Strategic Compass. The latest developments in the security environment clearly point to the need to strengthen the defence and resilience of the State and society. Therefore, we must also unequivocally devote our attention to cyber and hybrid threats, in particular to disinformation,” said Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď, adding that the strategic partnership with NATO in this field is of special importance to the EU.

In another round of discussions, EU defence leaders looked at the progress and advances made in the strategic review of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). On PESCO, the head of the MOD was particularly appreciative of the agreement on third-state participation in PESCO projects. “The COVID-19 situation influences almost all walks of life, not excluding the possibility of delivering progress in these projects. Despite this, our focus is on seeing the goals in the second phase of PESCO through to completion,” he added.

Still today via a video link, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď spoke with EU Defence Ministers whose political parties are members of the European People’s Party Group (EPP Group).