Expanding sanctions against Russia, European community unity, EU readiness to
counter Russian threats, as well as extension of industrial defence cooperation among Ukraine and European partners have become the top discussion issues of Arseniy Yatsenyuk, the Kyiv Security Forum Founder and Chairman, Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014-2016 and Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space.

Their conversation took place at the 17 th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE
AGAIN TO DEFETA THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy
Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.

Speaking about unity, Arseniy Yatsenyuk argued that at least two heads of the EU
member states governments or European countries plan participating in the Moscow Parade on May 9 at the backdrop of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

“These are Hungary and the Slovak Republic. Something is obviously terribly wrong there. Our Forum’s motto is “Unite Again”. Hence, the question, Commissioner, is whether Europe is indeed united? If there are two countries that can veto sanctions against Putin rollover, since we discuss expansion of sanctions, and these countries have their own say when it comes to Ukraine joining the EU. What is the vision of the European Commission?", - the KSF Founder enquired.

The Commissioner responded by suggesting that in future Euro-community may face deeper problems still.

“Issues relating to decision-making process in the EU necessitate consensus, in
particular, defense matters or external policies. This is the way the EU Agreements are formulated. Nowadays, in-depth discussions take place in the EU. A conference on the EU future was held. One of the key messages and conclusions thereof was the proposal to drop the requirement of the complete and total consensus when taking decisions, and adopt them by simple majority. Those disagreeing may vote against. In any case, a democratic majority must be capable of adopting a decision”, - Andrius Kubilius believes.

At the same time he pinpointed attention to “the current defence crisis that we have”.

“It is quite possible that a governance crisis ensues prompting us to reach long-
awaited necessary decisions”, - the Commissioner claimed.

Andrius Kubilius also argued that the EU is fully cognizant of threats and challenges proving that before 2030 Russia will be ready to commit aggression against the European states.

“Hence, we need to get ready through our own efforts and cooperation within NATO and the EU, and step up our defence capabilities. This is a short-term perspective … We must have a clear plan to brace up ourselves in corcordance with our partners”, - he said.