European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, addressing the Greek Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committees on 4 May 2026, called on Greece to spearhead a European defence production surge and institutional readiness, warning that Russia still outproduces the EU in key munitions. Kubilius stressed that the EU must shift from a 'haute couture' to a 'good enough' defence industry, scaling up production through joint procurement and long-term orders. He also urged Greece to take a leading role in pan-European defence projects and to support the EU's proposed 131 billion euro defence and space budget for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
unwavering support for Ukraine, a rapid ramp-up of European defence production, and institutional defence readiness. On Ukraine, he highlighted the 90 billion euro loan package, including 60 billion for defence, with the first 45 billion to be disbursed this quarter, including 6 billion for drones. He noted Greece's participation in the 'Achilles Shield' defence programme and its cooperation with Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
in 2025, Russia produced 1,100 cruise missiles against the EU's 300; 900 ballistic missiles versus zero; 4 million artillery shells versus 2 million; and 3,500 infantry vehicles versus 500. 'We can only deter Russia by outproducing Russia,' he said. He praised Greece's nearly 4% defence spending and its 25-billion-euro, 12-year defence strategy, urging other member states to follow suit.
Kubilius also pushed for institutional defence readiness, noting that Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union – the mutual defence clause – is now on the agenda of European leaders. He welcomed Greece's leadership in this debate and called for turning debates into decisions. He emphasised the need for a European Pillar of NATO and a European Security Union, especially as the US shifts focus elsewhere.
In space, Kubilius highlighted Greece's role in the new GOVSATCOM hub in Athens, one of only two in Europe, and the upcoming IRIS2 secure connectivity system, which he aims to accelerate with initial operations from 2029. He announced plans for an Action Plan for a European Space Shield, pooling national and European space capabilities for defence.
Kubilius concluded by urging quick agreement on outstanding Commission proposals: the Space Act, the defence readiness omnibus to cut bureaucracy, the military mobility regulation, and the Agile pilot project for rapid technology deployment. He called for a strong EU budget for defence and space, noting that Greece will hold the Council Presidency in 2027 and will be responsible for steering the MFF to completion.
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