The European Commission has called for the European Union to urgently prepare for the real possibility of a large-scale war with Russia, emphasizing the need for enhanced defense capabilities and strategic readiness.
In a recent address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that Russia is actively preparing for confrontation with European democracies, especially as the United States shifts its strategic focus towards the Indo-Pacific region.
To bolster Europe’s defense posture, the EU has unveiled an ambitious plan to mobilize €800 billion ($868 billion) over the next four years. This initiative aims to significantly enhance military spending, foster collaboration on joint defense projects, and prioritize the procurement of European-manufactured arms.
A key component of this strategy is the proposed €150 billion loan program designed to strengthen defense capabilities across member states by 2030. This program emphasizes the importance of sourcing at least 65% of defense equipment from within the EU, Norway, or Ukraine, with the remainder procured from nations that have established security agreements with the EU.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, underscored the existential threat posed by Russia, advocating for credible deterrence measures and a substantial increase in defense capabilities by 2030.
The European Union’s commitment to reinforcing its defense infrastructure reflects a broader strategy to ensure the security and sovereignty of its member states amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.
