OREANDA-NEWS The special operation in Ukraine proved that the European Union needs to become a serious military force. This was stated by the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, writes TASS.

According to him, being a strong civil power is no longer enough. We need to increase defense spending.

Borrell also noted that this needs to be done in a coordinated manner. He emphasized that it would not be easy.

Earlier, Borrell reported that the European Union needed the European armed forces to ensure its security. He noted that the "new security environment" demonstrates that the EU needs a modern Armed Forces that will seek to build up their capabilities.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, in turn, said that the creation of a common armed forces by the EU could divide Europe and weaken NATO.

In addition, Josep Borrell said that the stocks of military equipment of the EU countries were depleted due to the provision of assistance to Ukraine.

Currently, a special operation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continues in Ukraine. It was announced on February 24 by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to him, the purpose of military action is to demilitarize the neighboring country and denazify its authorities.