Lithuania’s former PM Andrius Kubilius is a pioneer — he’s the first nominee to be the bloc’s defense and space commissioner.
It’s a position that could be quite significant as the bloc looks to get more involved in defense, but he could also be a figurehead with little real power if Commission President Ursula von der Leyen doesn’t carve out both a budget and some real responsibilities for him.
His biggest tasks will be rationalizing Europe’s fractured defense industry, funneling lots more money into the sector, boosting production and ensuring that the bloc keeps supporting Ukraine with arms and ammunition.
Expect MEPs to drill into those issues during the hearing.
Here are some of our recent stories on him:
The difficult job he’ll have.
Our interview with him.
How Rheinmetall’s Armin Papperger has the power to be the real defense commissioner.
We’ll be bringing you all the live action from 6:30 p.m. CET on Nov. 6.
Background reading:
PS. If you want to follow more of the action from the hearings, our reporters will be bringing you blow-by-blow updates from all 26 commissioner interviews here.
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