EU Defence Ministers discuss strengthening mutual cooperation on defence capabilities development in Lisbon

Continued work on the drafting of the EU's Strategic Compass and on the strengthening of EU-NATO cooperation in light of current security challenges was the central theme of the EU Defence Ministers Meeting in Lisbon today (28 May 2021). Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer represented the SVK MOD at the event on behalf of Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď.

The meeting's focus was primarily on the future Strategic Compass in the field of improvements being made in the defence capabilities development of EU Member States. “The use of EU instruments and participation in future European projects help develop the capabilities of our Armed Forces. In this respect, it is important for the Slovak Republic that the principles of transparency, balance and fair industrial support are applied by all EU Member States,” said Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer.

Mr Majer explained that the current processes underway in the EU and NATO are shaping the strategic direction of both organisations for the coming years, hence creating a space for developing further cooperation in strengthening the security of the Euro-Atlantic region and stabilising its neighbourhood. “Despite the pandemic, in our view it is positive that there has been an intensified political EU-NATO dialogue at all levels, so we can devote our attention together to key security themes,” said Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer. He appreciated the working dinner of EU Defence Ministers with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, which confirmed the genuine efforts towards enhanced EU-NATO engagement.

Given that forging cooperation with African partners is being taken forward as a matter of priority by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, as part of the programme, Ministers held a meeting with representatives of the United Nations and officials of regional African organisations. There was much discussion on reinforcing regional security and defence ties as well as on the EU's CSDP missions and operations.