EU launches expert panel with Ukrainian advisers to close defence gaps

During a defence ministers’ gathering in Wicklow, Ireland, the European Union unveiled a new advisory body that will convene senior political and military leaders from Ukraine, Britain and multiple EU countries. Kaja Kallas said the panel’s purpose is to generate out-of-the-box ideas to swiftly plug gaps in Europe’s conventional power, noting that recent budget increases have not yet closed the shortfall within NATO. Ukraine’s participation is justified by its frontline experience, while the initiative also aims to counter growing Russian hybrid operations, highlighted by a drone incident at Leipzig airport.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has announced a scaling back of certain assets it makes available to NATO, creating additional pressure on Europe to fill capabilities such as long-range missiles. The group will coordinate expertise and accelerate defence reforms across the continent.