Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of European strength in relation to NATO, stating, “The stronger Europe is, the stronger also NATO.” This assertion underscores the interconnectedness of European and NATO security interests.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Kallas highlighted the need for cooperation with Iran on its nuclear program, while also addressing other pressing issues.
“We need to sit down with Iran and discuss and agree on its nuclear program,” Kallas said, “but we also have other issues with Iran when it comes to Europe: We have their support for Russia, their detention of European citizens and also their cyber and hybrid attacks against European countries.” She stressed that it is “very clear that Iran should never develop a nuclear weapon,” aligning with the European Union’s longstanding position on the matter.
The EU has been actively engaged with Iran, pushing for diplomacy over regime change. Anouar El Anouni, EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, clarified that “regime change is not part of the EU’s agreed position.” Instead, the EU is committed to a comprehensive policy approach towards Iran, addressing concerns through engagement and sanctions where necessary.
In a recent meeting of EU foreign ministers, experts presented evidence that Israel is in breach of Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement on human rights. This development has sparked debate among EU member states, with some calling for targeted sanctions. Kallas noted the significance of this discussion, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to human rights and international law.
The NATO summit’s primary objective is to secure agreement on increased defense spending, with a target of 3.5 percent or 5 percent of GDP. “This summit has a clear goal, which is to get the agreement on this 3.5 percent or 5 percent of the defense spending because we are living in a security situation that is more dangerous for everybody,” Kallas explained. “We need all to do more.” This push for increased defense spending reflects the alliance’s recognition of the deteriorating security environment and the need for collective action to address these challenges.
Kallas’s comments on defense spending follow praise from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who lavished praise on US President Donald Trump’s handling of the Western alliance and the conflict in Iran. Kallas has welcomed US commitment to supporting NATO, underscoring the importance of transatlantic cooperation in addressing shared security concerns.