Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed concerns about Russia’s power and influence, despite Western leaders’ belief that it was on the decline. He emphasized that Russia, even in a weakened state, could still cause significant harm to its neighbors, and the consequences of its actions could last for decades. Lithuania has been a vocal supporter of NATO and has increased its defense spending significantly in recent years, reaching 3.2% of GDP in 2023. Landsbergis believes that European countries have shown the ability to stand up to a power like Russia, but there is still room for growth and improvement in terms of defense capabilities.
Lithuania’s commitment to NATO and increased defense spending has made it one of the highest-spending members of the alliance. Landsbergis pointed out that European countries have made significant progress in increasing defense expenditure, but there are still concerns about whether it is enough to prevent future aggression from Russia. He highlighted the need for European countries to continue to invest in defense and be prepared to confront challenges in the region.
When asked about leadership in Europe, Landsbergis acknowledged that the European Union’s structure with 27 members and the need for consensus-building can make decision-making challenging. He suggested that there is room for reform within the EU and that the union must adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape. Landsbergis believes that Europe needs to grow and strengthen its defense capabilities to effectively respond to threats in the region.
Despite the challenges facing Europe, Landsbergis remains optimistic about the future and believes that the EU can overcome current obstacles. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among member states to address common security concerns. Landsbergis stressed the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to ensure the safety and stability of the region.
Landsbergis also raised concerns about the potential for Russia to repeat its aggression against its neighbors, such as Ukraine. He warned that Europe must be prepared to counter any future threats and called for increased defense spending across all industries in Europe. Landsbergis highlighted the need for a collective effort to strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities and prevent further destabilization in the region.
In conclusion, Landsbergis’s perspective on Russia’s power and influence, as well as the role of European countries in addressing security challenges, highlights the need for continued investment in defense and cooperation among NATO allies. He believes that Europe has the capacity to stand up to threats from Russia but must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing security concerns. Landsbergis’s insights shed light on the ongoing efforts to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities and enhance regional stability in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
