The biggest problem in Europe today is the capacity of the defense industry, Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer-SD) said after a meeting of defense ministers within the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) in Bratislava. He stated that the agenda focused on self-sufficiency and the ability to secure all necessary resources to defend their countries. The talks also addressed the situation in Ukraine, drone attacks in Poland, further violations of sovereign airspace, and the enlargement of the European Union.
According to Kaliňák, strong defense guarantees also mean stability for economic growth, banking, and production. He described the talks as fast and effective, with expert meetings to follow under Slovakia’s CEDC presidency. Ministers agreed to link defense industry representatives with national armament directors to advance joint projects, including a plan to develop a medium tank costing about half the price of heavy battle tanks.
The CEDC, created in 2010, includes Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Poland as an observer.
Source: TASR
