European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urgently called upon Europe to address a “clear and present danger” by proposing a comprehensive five-part plan. This plan would mobilize 800 billion euros ($842 billion) to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities and provide quick military support to Ukraine, following the United States’ decision to halt aid.
In her announcement, President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the onset of a new era, urging immediate and long-term action from the European Union’s leaders. This call to arms comes ahead of a summit that aims to strengthen joint action on Ukraine’s security and the broader long-term security strategy for Europe, convening in Brussels.
At the heart of this proposal is a new initiative for joint EU borrowing, totaling 150 billion euros ($158 billion), to be allocated among EU governments specifically for defense purposes. The funding will be directed towards the development of pan-European capability domains, which include air and missile defense, artillery systems, and advanced technologies such as drones and anti-drone systems. Additionally, the EC points towards addressing cybersecurity needs and enhancing military mobility.
The urgency to increase defense spending is underscored by the return to power of former US President Donald Trump, signaling to European leaders that reliance on Washington is no longer a viable strategy. Von der Leyen’s vision is for Europe to step up and shoulder its security responsibilities, reinforcing cooperation with NATO while signaling a readiness to increase defense spending both immediately and over the coming decade.
The plan’s unveiling comes on the heels of Trump’s decision to halt military aid to Ukraine, amidst tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This move has been coupled with Trump’s call for NATO’s European members to increase their defense spending to 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP), a target currently unmet by all member states, including the United States.
Traditionally, EU nations have hesitated to increase their defense budgets, relying on the US for nuclear security. However, with the latest proposal, EU member states will be pressured to significantly ramp up their military expenditures, aiming for figures well above the current 2 percent GDP benchmark.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has echoed this urgency, advocating for member states to strive for defense spending surpassing 3 percent of GDP as swiftly as possible. This series of developments marks a critical juncture for European defense policy, signaling a pivotal shift towards greater autonomy and self-reliance in securing the continent’s future.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/4/eu-weighs-841bn-rearm-europe-plan-to-counter-possible-us-disengagement?traffic_source=rss
