EU Accelerates Defense Overhaul as Russia Looms and U.S. Reliability Wanes
European leaders commit to an 800-billion-euro investment plan to achieve military self-reliance by 2030 and bolster Ukraine's defenses.
- The EU has unveiled a strategy to address seven key military capability gaps, including air defense, missile defense, and drones, by 2030.
- A 150-billion-euro loan program and relaxation of EU debt rules aim to support member states' defense investments over the next four years.
- The plan emphasizes joint procurement of military equipment to enhance interoperability and reduce costs across EU nations.
- European leaders are debating the financing mechanisms for the defense initiative, with disagreements over shared debt obligations like Eurobonds.
- The EU has proposed delivering two million artillery shells worth five billion euros to Ukraine while maintaining sanctions on Russia.































































































































