Pål Jonson to take part in EU Foreign Affairs Council defence minister configuration

The defence ministers are expected to discuss EU support loans to Ukraine, the EU’s contribution to security guarantees, and defence industry cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. 

“Continued military support, intensified defence industry cooperation and bringing Ukraine closer to the EU are important components of Ukraine’s security,” says Mr Jonson.

The situation in the Middle East and its implications on European defence and security are another issue that the EU defence ministers will discuss. The focus is expected to be on the Strait of Hormuz blockade and its impact on the global economy and the impact of the overall situation on Europe.

The defence ministers are also expected to discuss European defence preparedness. Their discussions will likely centre on the internal market for defence and strengthening the European defence industry and technological base, as well as continued efforts to address the critical capability gaps identified by the Member States.  

“Europe’s defence preparedness and the Member States’ defence capability must be strengthened in light of the security situation. Sweden notes that it remains important for this work to be driven by the Member States and that the work within the EU complements that of NATO,” says Mr Jonson.

Mr Jonson was invited to the College of Europe in Brussels on 11 May to speak to Security and Defence Society students about how to strengthen Europe’s defence capability. He is an alumnus of the College where he earned a Master’s degree in European policy in 1999.