Antalya (Turkiye Khabar) Kęstutis Budrys has rejected proposals to establish a separate European defence structure, saying that European countries should focus entirely on strengthening the existing NATO system.
Speaking to Anadolu News Agency on the occasion of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, he said that European countries have not yet fully implemented NATO’s set goals and defence plans, therefore talk of an independent European defence system is premature.
He said that when Europe has not fully achieved the shared objectives of NATO, including those with the United States, a separate defence structure cannot be effective.
Referring to the ongoing debate about a European army, he made it clear that any formation parallel to NATO would be ineffective and impractical.
According to him, Europe must further improve its responsibilities within NATO, which includes not only the European Union but also partner countries such as Turkey, the United Kingdom and Norway.
Kęstutis Budrys said that the upcoming NATO summit expected in Ankara will be an important test of the alliance’s unity and credibility, where member states will need to reaffirm their defence commitments and their practical implementation.
He added that in the current global situation, strengthening NATO, maintaining unity, and continued support for Ukraine are essential.
