Spain’s formin in Vilnius speaks for EU’s closer defense ties

After meeting with Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius, Dastis said he could understand the unwillingness of some EU countries to deepen the integration in some areas, stressing that some countries could cooperate on some issues separately.

In his words, defense is one of the areas.

“Essentially, it seems to us that the EU should consolidate in the areas that were underdeveloped until now. For instance, security and defense is one of the areas,” Dastis told Vilnius journalists.

“It may be true that we, all of the 27 countries, cannot move forward at the same pace, as there are countries that are neutral and have their specifics but we can take steps in a smaller group,” he added.

“It makes full sense that those with a common currency should consolidate and deepen the union to make us live in a genuine monetary economic union. (…) Administration of the euro zone is the area where could do more,” said Dastis.

The minister emphasized he wanted all EU countries to integrate as much as possible together, however, noted that it was probably impossible.

“We do not believe in division, we do not want to create the first row and the second row. We want to move forward together, (…) however, if sometimes there are areas where not all of the countries want or can move forward at the same pace, we would not want them to hinder the progress of those who want to go ahead,” said the minister.

His opinion as seconded by Linkevicius, the Lithuanian foreign minister.

“We already have the speeds but we want the process to be as inclusive as possible,” the Lithuanian diplomacy chief added.