EU Commits €800 Billion to Defense in Response to Global Instability

The ambitious plan aims to bolster military capabilities, support Ukraine, and address Europe's reliance on external powers for security.

The European Union has adopted a €800 billion defense initiative to strengthen military capabilities across its 27 member states and support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
This marks a significant shift in Europe's defense policy, driven by escalating threats from Russia and uncertainty about U.S. commitments under its current administration.
The plan includes increasing member states' defense spending to 3% of GDP, a target currently met by only a few countries like Poland and the Baltic states.
Funding strategies remain contentious, with proposals ranging from increased national debt to European-level mechanisms like shared borrowing or reallocation of unspent EU funds.
Experts emphasize the need for long-term planning, industrial investment, and workforce development to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of Europe's defense strategy.