Minister Crosetto meets Kallas: Europe must move from words to action

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Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto met today in Rome with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.

At the center of the talks, primarily, were the strengthening of Operation ASPIDES and the security of trade routes in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, alongside the evolving international situation, European defense and security capabilities, and the situation in Lebanon.

“Europe must step up its game in security and defense. It is no longer enough to set goals and make political commitments: we must be able to turn them quickly into capabilities, resources, and concrete actions,” Minister Crosetto emphasized.

ASPIDES AND ROUTE SECURITY

During the meeting, the decision by several European countries to make new assets available for Operation ASPIDES was welcomed. Minister Crosetto and High Representative Kallas shared the need to further strengthen the European contribution so that the operation has the necessary capabilities to fully carry out its mandate.

“It is not yet enough for the demands ahead of us, but it is certainly a positive shift in pace. When political commitments are followed by concrete contributions, Europe proves to be credible and capable of assuming the global actor role it deserves”, stated Minister Crosetto.

Both also highlighted the strategic and economic value of route security in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, essential for freedom of navigation, the continuity of European trade, and the stability of countries in the region.

HYBRID THREATS

The Minister and the EU High Representative discussed the possibility of creating a European political mechanism capable of countering hybrid threats and swiftly transforming consultations into concrete actions, through enhanced information sharing and a response speed adaptable to various threats.

LEBANON

There was also an extensive discussion on Lebanon and the need to avoid security vacuums in the phase following the conclusion of the UNIFIL mission.
“Italy does not want to work alone. We want to leverage the experience and capabilities of the countries already present in Lebanon. We cannot afford to lose the experience and knowledge built up by contributing nations”, the Minister stressed.

EUROPEAN CAPABILITIES

Finally, the Minister and the High Representative shared the need to strengthen European capabilities in the defense, cyber, and advanced technology sectors, making full use of existing instruments within the framework of the Treaties.
“Europe must move from words to action: more capabilities, more operational contributions, and faster decision-making”, concluded Minister Crosetto.
The challenges Europe faces today are increasingly complex and multifaceted, and no single country can address them alone. In this context, the European Union can play a crucial role in harmonizing requirements, leveraging existing capabilities, and developing the new capabilities required for European security.