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Šekerinska: In defense initiatives, the EU should include allies that are not its members

by AI | 21.Mar 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Šekerinska points out that the Union can leverage its unique economic potential to strengthen defense production, innovations, and military mobility in accordance with NATO’s military plans, capabilities, and standards.

Address by the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Radmila Shekerinska, before the Security and Defense Committee of the European Parliament (SEDE). Photo: European Parliament

Brussels – The European Union should include as many allies as possible, who are not members of the Union, in its defense initiatives, stated the Deputy Secretary-General of the Alliance, Radmila Šekerinska, in an address to the Committee on Security and Defense of the European Parliament (SEDE).

Šekerinska emphasized that in the current security context in which Europe faces instability and threats from many directions, “our most sacred duty is to keep our people safe.” 

She stated that NATO and the EU are natural and indispensable partners and therefore it is important to continue strengthening their mutual cooperation, while welcoming the European Commission’s “Rearming Europe” Plan, the increase in defense investments by Union members, as well as European support for Ukraine. 

Šekerinska pointed out that the Union can leverage its unique economic potential to enhance defense production, innovations, and military mobility in line with NATO’s military plans, capabilities, and standards. 

She welcomed initiatives on a European and national level to increase defense spending and to strengthen capacities and readiness, while also highlighting that transatlantic relations remain the cornerstone of European security. In her address to the European Parliament, she also emphasized the need for a “stronger European pillar within a strong NATO.” (March 21, 2025)