NATO, EU military structures have stepped up cooperation – senior NATO official

He made these remarks at a press conference at Ukrinform.

Baltrenas stressed that in his current position he works closely with the director general of the European Union Military Staff, noting that they exchange information and hold regular meetings on the development of military relations between the EU and NATO.

He added that his previous experience of working both in NATO's Military Committee and in the EU Military Committee had allowed him to see from the inside how the two institutions work together.

According to the general, both organizations play a defensive role and complement each other, stressing that there is no competition between them.

Baltrenas also said that the Preserving Peace – Defense Readiness Roadmap 2030 is an excellent document outlining the ambitions pursued by the European Union.

He noted that, on the basis of this roadmap, NATO works together with the EU Military Staff to identify points of convergence and shared opportunities for moving forward jointly while complementing each other's efforts.

The NATO official added that 23 of NATO's 32 member states are also members of the European Union, which ensures cohesion and consistency in defense development efforts across both organizations through their shared membership.

Baltrenas stated that he had increased the number of meetings with the director general of the EU Military Staff and added that, in addition to officially established military-level conferences between the two organizations, there is a good exchange of information.

On October 16, the European Commission proposed to EU member states the Preserving Peace – Defense Readiness Roadmap 2030, a comprehensive plan to strengthen Europe's defense potential. The roadmap envisages the creation of a European Drone Defense Initiative, an Eastern Flank Watch, a European Air Shield, and a European Space Shield.

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