Improving how quickly NATO and the European Union can move personnel and equipment across Europe was a central focus of Wednesday’s Brussels talks, which also covered defense production and continued aid for Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius at alliance headquarters. Kubilius also addressed ambassadors at the North Atlantic Council, NATO said, discussing readiness, defense output and continued support for Ukraine.
The alliance said mobility efforts involve addressing regulatory barriers and making sure infrastructure can accommodate potential military movements. NATO has said the ability to move forces across Europe matters to its deterrence and defense. Rutte welcomed progress in cooperation with the EU, while saying additional work was needed to strengthen readiness.
Rutte also praised the EU’s decision to let the Ukraine Support Loan finance assistance through NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). Under PURL, allies and partners fund equipment purchases while NATO coordinates deliveries. NATO said the program’s deliveries to Ukraine are ongoing and include air defense systems. The alliance said commitments through PURL exceeded $6 billion by June 2026, when deliveries were underway.
