EU Pushes for Defense Spending on European Weapons Industry

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for €150 billion in EU-backed loans to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities and reduce reliance on U.S. security guarantees.

Ursula von der Leyen urged EU member states to allocate €150 billion in loans to purchase weapons from European manufacturers to bolster the bloc's defense industry.
The proposal is part of a broader €800 billion initiative aimed at enhancing European defense spending in response to Russian aggression and diminishing U.S. security commitments.
Von der Leyen emphasized the need for multiannual contracts and joint procurement to provide stability and predictability for European defense producers.
France supports limiting reliance on U.S. weapons, while Germany advocates for more flexibility, reflecting differing national priorities within the EU.
A European Council summit next week will further discuss the defense plan, with a white paper outlining additional financing options to be presented.