European Leaders Push for Enhanced Ukraine Defense and Major Military Investments

France leads efforts to strengthen Ukraine's security, while Germany debates unprecedented defense and infrastructure spending under its likely new chancellor.

• Defense ministers from France, Germany, the UK, Poland, and Italy met in Paris to advocate for bolstering Ukraine's military as a cornerstone of its long-term security.
• The ministers emphasized the importance of European unity and transatlantic partnerships while preparing for reduced reliance on U.S. military support under President Trump.
• Germany’s chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz is urging parliament to approve constitutional changes enabling up to €1 trillion in defense and infrastructure spending, citing urgent security concerns.
• The proposed German spending plans face opposition from the Greens, who demand stronger commitments to climate policies, and legal challenges from far-right and far-left parties.
• The EU’s new 'Rearm Europe' plan will allow member states to exceed budget deficit limits for defense spending, with up to €800 billion in funding expected over four years.

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