Budrys at Dubrovnik Forum: We need to strengthen deterrence, invest in defence, and maintain unity

On 27 June, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys participated in the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia. This year's Forum, "The Age of Multipolarity: Many Directions. One Future," focused on the transition to a multipolar world order and its impact on international relations.

Kęstutis Budrys spoke at the panel titled "Beyond the Peace Dividend: Modern Warfare, Defence Industry and Europe's Strategic Choices".

Budrys stressed that the European and Euro-Atlantic security environment is undergoing fundamental changes that require decisive and coordinated decisions. According to the Minister, global uncertainty is rising and the geopolitical order, which has provided long-term stability, is under increasing pressure.

"The Euro-Atlantic security landscape is fundamentally changing: instability zones are expanding, authoritarian states are acting more courageously and in a more coordinated way, and power politics is reshaping the global security architecture," Budrys said. He pointed out that Russia's aggression against Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and the increasing activity of China and North Korea show an ever-closer intertwining of security challenges across distinct regions.

The Minister underlined that the transatlantic link remains the cornerstone of European security. According to him, NATO's credibility and collective defense depend directly on strong U.S. leadership and presence in Europe. "Transatlantic connectivity, proven by its value in history and crises, remains a guarantor of our security. A robust U.S. presence in Europe is irreplaceable, both as a deterrent and as a clear sign of allied unity," he said.

Budrys noted that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has actually shattered Europe's security architecture, and Russia itself remains the greatest long-term threat. The Minister listed the Kremlin's hybrid and military activities, ranging from drone and fighter jet provocations to cyber-attacks, disinformation, and sabotage, which point to broader imperialist goals. "Russia is testing our resolve, trying to destabilise societies and undermine support for Ukraine. It is a coherent strategy against our security and prosperity", stressed the Minister.

With regard to Europe's strategic choices, Budrys identified three main pillars: securing Ukraine's victory and its Euro-Atlantic integration, rapid expansion of European defence and investment in NATO, and transatlantic relations. According to him, it is in Ukraine that the future European security architecture is decided. "Ukraine is not only fighting for itself, but it is also fighting for a peaceful future for Europe. Only by halting Russia's imperialist ambitions in Ukraine can we definitively prevent the aggressive seizure of territories. Therefore, our support must be long-term, predictable, and sufficient," said the Minister, stressing the need to increase both national and EU-NATO support.

The Minister also emphasized the need to accelerate Ukraine's integration into the European Union, calling membership the strongest non-military security guarantee for both Ukraine and the entire region. He called for Ukraine to become a member of the EU by 2030, while maintaining the prospect of its NATO membership.

Budrys paid close attention to strengthening European defence. According to him, Europeans must become equal security partners of the United States, taking greater responsibility for their own defense. This requires a significant increase in defence funding, the filling of critical capability shortfalls, and the expansion of defence industrial production.

"If we wish to deter Russia, we have to outperform it with production. Today's figures show a clear backlog, which means that we need to act quickly and decisively. Strengthening the European defence industry is becoming a critical challenge", said the Minister. He stressed that while European defence investment is growing, it is necessary to ensure that industry is able to absorb funds efficiently and rapidly deliver the necessary capabilities.

In conclusion, the Minister underlined the need to change attitudes at all levels - political, military, and societal - in the current security environment. "In addition to adapting to the new reality, we need to act in advance by strengthening deterrence, investing in defence, and maintaining unity. The ancient adage "If you want peace, prepare for war" remains relevant today," said Budrys.