EU Defence Ministers discuss progress on PESCO and hybrid threats

During the EU Defence Ministerial in Brussels today (14 May 2019), EU Defence Ministers discussed the progress made in implementing PESCO projects and the need to strengthen the partnership between the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance, with focus on preventing and countering hybrid threats.

Speaking after the EU Defence Ministerial, Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “As the coordinator of one of the PESCO projects, Slovakia has an interest in third states participation in this initiative strengthening the defence capabilities of EU Member States.” In this context, he emphasised that Slovakia has been involved in 7 PESCO projects, as well as leading the ‘EuroArtillery’ Indirect Fire Support project. Also today in Brussels, EU Defence Ministers signed the Programme Arrangement on the Optimising Cross Border Movement Permission Procedures in Europe in an effort to strengthen Military Mobility.

The deepening of EU-NATO cooperation, especially in the field of hybrid threats, was high on the agenda. In this regard, Minister Gajdoš highlighted the stepping up of preparations and consultations to prevent any such attacks. EU partners also agreed to strengthen cyber resilience as well as the fight against disinformation.

Also discussed was the current security landscape in the Sahel region and the need to stabilise it by developing the capabilities of the G5 Sahel Joint Force and other projects, which are financially supported by the Slovak Republic as well. Security and defence was also addressed by Ministers at the European Defence Agency (EDA) Ministerial Steering Board Meeting. The main themes included optimising cross border movement permission in and outside of Europe and EDA’s follow-up action on new EU security and defence initiatives.