EU increases defense spending to €300 billion amid rising security threats

In the wake of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, EU countries have significantly boosted their defense spending, raising the total from €200 billion to nearly €300 billion.

"Member states have increased their defense spending from just over €200 billion before the war to almost €300 billion this year," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as reported by Caliber.Az via Gazeta.ru.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU's defense industry has adapted to the new security environment, noting that Europeans take the current threats very seriously. This increase in defense expenditure reflects the EU's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Background information

The European Union's defense budget has significantly increased in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and growing global security concerns. The EU has historically focused more on economic and diplomatic initiatives and has been ramping up its military capabilities in recent years.

This shift is part of a broader effort to bolster the EU's defense industry and reduce reliance on external military powers. The increased spending also aligns with NATO's push for member states to allocate at least 2% of their GDP to defense. The move is seen as a response to both external threats, such as Russia's actions in Ukraine, and the need for greater military autonomy within the EU.