EU plans major defence spending boost, calls for increased arms production

EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has stated that the bloc plans to allocate at least €131 billion to defence spending in the 2028–2034 period, marking a significant increase.

He said the figure is non-negotiable, urging firm positions on defence and space, given the challenges the EU faces, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“No trade-offs or compromises are acceptable,” he noted.

He called on EU member states to increase weapons production to levels exceeding Russia’s, noting that despite current efforts, Moscow still outpaces the entire European Union combined in the production of artillery shells and missiles.

Under the EU’s current 2020–2027 budget, there is no direct allocation for weapons procurement.

The only off-budget mechanism allowing for military spending has been the European Peace Facility, with a total of €13 billion earmarked for the period.

According to the report, these funds were used in 2023 to provide military assistance to Ukraine.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov