Defence Minister, at the EU Eastern Flank Watch Meeting

Defence Minister, at the EU Eastern Flank Watch Meeting

Minister of National Defence, Liviu-Ionuț Moșteanu, participated, via videoconference, in the meeting organized by the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, dedicated to strengthen security and defence on the European Union's Eastern Flank.

The meeting was attended by representatives of EU member states on the border of the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine -Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania, as well as by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and representatives of Presidency of the EU Council. NATO took part in the meeting as observer and the Ukrainian Defence Minister held a speech during the working sessions.

The consultations took place following recent visits made by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to the member states on the Eastern Flank, as well as in the context of her announcement of the launch of the "Eastern Flank Watch" Initiative in her State of the Union speech.

This initiative aims at strengthening European defence on the Eastern Flank through the creation of an advanced technological system, known as the "Drone Wall", a network capable of detecting, tracking and neutralizing threats, such as drones and other aerial vehicles.

The talks focused on defining a technical action plan, supported by national experts, as well as on mobilizing the European defence industry. At the same time, the officials addressed the need to configure a financial instrument at the European Union level, which would enable the project to become reality and consolidate the protection of the member states on the Eastern Flank.

In his speech, Minister of National Defence emphasized the importance of mobilizing the existing European instruments, capitalizing on Ukraine's experience gained in its direct confrontation with the Russian Federation and the close coordination with NATO. The Romanian official has showed that the Black Sea Region is an area of utmost importance for the security of the Eastern Flank and the challenges posed by the naval and aerial drones require a coordinated answer through advanced technological solutions and an active involvement of the European defence industry.

The Press Office