Europe to triple migration, border funding as US shifts military costs to allies

The European Commission (EC) has unveiled a proposal to triple its expenditure on migration management and border protection within the European Union’s (EU) budget framework for 2028–2034.

The announcement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Von der Leyen stated that they had tripled the proposal for migration and strengthening borders, signaling the EU’s heightened commitment to addressing complex migration flows and reinforcing external border security in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

This development comes in the wake of a landmark agreement announced at the end of July by US President Donald Trump, wherein the United States and the European Union agreed that European countries would assume full financial responsibility for all military equipment costs. Trump emphasized that a significant portion of this weaponry would be directed to Ukraine amidst ongoing regional conflicts.

Furthermore, the financial contributions from Europe are expected to bolster US defence manufacturers. Trump underscored that such a strategic arrangement should have been established with Europe years earlier.

In a related statement, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed that while the US will maintain its supply of arms to Ukraine, the burden of financing these deliveries will rest with European NATO allies. This marks a notable shift in the transatlantic defence partnership, with European nations taking on greater fiscal responsibility for collective security efforts.

By Vafa Guliyeva