Informal Meeting of EU Ministers of Defence: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas upon arrival 

Check against delivery! 

We have a full day ahead with the defence ministers of European Union.

So first, of course, we will discuss Ukraine. July and August have been the deadliest months for the civilians in Ukraine. Russia is really escalating to hurt the people of Ukraine as much as possible to break them. The Ukrainians, of course, are standing strong, and we have to support them.

The main issue is air defence. They are lacking interceptors. We know that some of the countries have interceptors that will expire soon. So, it would be very good if those would be given to Ukraine so that they can use them to protect their people.

We are also doing the outreach for countries outside European Union to get the interceptors to protect the civilians. But of course, it is very hard.

And, at the same time, there is also work going on to put together the European interceptors - together with Ukraine. 

Then we will discuss space. Space is key enabler of defence, very important. So, there is civilian usage as well as military usage. And we really need to step up so that we are still a space power, considering what is going on there. We will discuss this with the ministers.

Then finally, maritime security. There, of course, the Strait of Hormuz.

The freedom of navigation needs to be respected. The diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, but no results at the moment. For us, it is important that there are no tolls, no fees for these routes that have been open before.

And the other topic that we are discussing under maritime security is the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. What more can we do together?

And then, finally, also Lebanon. The ministers will discuss about a European mission for supporting Lebanese armed forces, considering the situation there. So I think that is about it.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/media/video/I-293168

Q&A

Q. High Representative, Germany wants today to announce who is behind the sabotage attempt in Leipzig this summer. What is the EU ready to contribute to support for Germany as measures of retaliation?

First, let us hear Germany really giving the news and information and sharing the intelligence that they have regarding these attacks, and then, of course, we can discuss what more can we do. It is clear that Russia is also, well I am now linking it directly, but let the Germans state what is behind. And of course, what we see in other countries is that the Russians are provoking more and more. So, the question for us is what do we do about this to deter them from going any further.

Q. How can the EU react on those attacks?

That is why we need to discuss the issues that we are discussing today. We have some critical capability gaps, and there are ways that we can really enforce and make this process faster so that we can fill the capability gaps, so that we would be also more credible to deter all these attacks. But it needs a lot of effort from all the Member States.

Q. A question on Ukraine: Can Ukraine expect any concrete deliverables from today, even though if it is an Informal Ministerial? Because the issue is really pressing.

It is an informal ministerial, so we are not directly making any decisions, but we are really making a push in getting the European Peace Facility unblocked. So, if that would happen in coming days, then many Member States have already said that all the funds that they are getting back, they will give to Ukraine. So that would also mean a lot of new funding for the air defence for the capabilities that Ukraine needs.

Q. Would you have a number for that?

We know that the EPF that has been blocked was €6.6 billion, but the question, and right now we have the discussion, how much it goes back to the Member States and how much of it also goes to Ukraine. So, I cannot mention any concrete number.

Q. You'll have seen the rising settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. I want to draw your attention to this incident here. This is Sayed Alamur, he is a Palestinian olive farmer. He has been shot and lost his leg already, and he continues to be on the receiving end of Israeli settler attacks. He told us that as long as the EU countries continue to trade with those settlements that you say are illegal, the EU is complicit in funding the violence against them. What do you say?

These videos that are coming from the West Bank and the violent settlers are extremely disturbing, and all the Member States have condemned those attacks. But the question, of course, is what more can we do? There are some Member States who have proposed that they should be banning the trade with settlements. So far, we do not have a concrete proposal that the Member States can discuss, and we also know that not all Member States are on board. We need the qualifying majority to go ahead. But first, we would need a proposal. I share your concern. We have been sending those messages, but clearly, a strong action would be something that would send a clear message.

Q.   Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Czechia say they would veto any vote to ban trade with settler groups? Do you consider those EU countries to be complicit in the violence against Palestinians?

Every country has the right to decide on their behalf, and they have to really explain their decisions, but it illustrates the problems that we have in the European Union. That there are Member States that have different views, and that is why we have not been able to move forward. But at the same time, there are many issues where we are united also regarding Israel and Palestine. For example, we are the supporters of two-state solution. We are the biggest donors for the Palestinian Authority and supporters of humanitarian aid for the Palestinians to try to make the situation better. But it is true that on the issue of trade with settlements, we do not have an agreement.

Q. But if you consider maritime security here from the Wall Street Journal, given the importance of maritime security in this area, and given the fact that Ireland has the lowest defence spending of any EU country, do you feel confident that Ireland is doing enough to secure its maritime interests or the West's maritime interests? And will this also be part of discussions here?

We will discuss the maritime security, and as you say, it is a great concern for all of us because there are cables that are underneath the sea and that are really affecting the everyday lives of people. So, of course, the Member States are making different contributions to defence. It very much depends on whether they feel that the threat is real or not. I think we have seen all the news that the threat level has risen. So, it also requires contributions from everybody, so that we would be stronger together.

Q. Do you think Ireland does enough?

Well, I have not looked into the island's budget to be the judge.

Q. The Irish are using the British Navy to secure the conference here. And there is a British Navy ship out there, as a British helicopter as well flying around protecting your aircraft when you came in. Are the British coming back to some sort of agreement with the EU to help at security?

Well, of course we know that Ireland is a neutral country, and that is why also the defence spending has been lower, and it is also clear that you have much better neighbours than some of the other European countries have. We have, as European Union, good cooperation with the United Kingdom, and I think we are also very like-minded partners. We see the UK Minister also joining us tonight and tomorrow, so we can discuss what more can we do on topics that concern all of us.