The European Commission has released a strategic document detailing key measures to strengthen the union’s defense capabilities—particularly in response to concerns about Russia.
"What we allocate to defense truly reflects our prioritization of it. Over the last ten years, this hasn’t been a major focus area for us,” stated EU foreign representative Kajas Kallas during her presentation of the union’s fresh defense strategy in Brussels on Wednesday. Ms. Kallas, an Estonian diplomat, highlighted that the global situation had not seen such instability since 1945, emphasizing the urgency to take action now.
The European Commission released its strategic document as plan to strengthen the defensive abilities and preparedness of the European Union By 2030, along with its member states, this plan aims to address the situation. The document highlights Russian aggression as a primary catalyst for the initiative. It stated, “Should Russia attain its objectives in Ukraine, its quest for territory would not cease.” Furthermore, the document warned, “For the coming years, Russia poses an enduring danger to European security due to its heightened nuclear stance and deployment of nuclear arms in Belarus.”
But the strategy paper alone will not deter Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Andrius Kubilius, the EU's recently appointed and first-ever defense commissioner, meaning it's all the more important that the targets outlined in the paper are met. Kubilius warned that numerous European intelligence agencies have said it's likely Moscow will test NATO's resolve on the Article 5's collective defense commitment by 2030.
However, this strategy does not focus exclusively on Russia. It also addresses an increasingly assertive China and uncertainties in the Middle East caused by various factors. topple of Bashar Assad in Syria The conflicts in Gaza are also discussed, along with the threats presented by cyberattacks or acts of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure.
The EU is planning to enhance its military capabilities.
The report highlights key sectors where member countries need to increase their efforts to boost capacities and strengthen the union’s security — such as enhancing air and missile defense, upgrading artillery systems, deploying drones, and improving military transportation abilities. Additionally, the EU intends to allocate several hundred billion euros towards achieving these goals.
The Commission highlighted that member states will retain control over their national defense choices; however, they expressed strong interest in ensuring efficient resource utilization. This effort includes fostering joint development, production, and promotion of common armaments. One significant challenge facing European defense lies in the extensive variety of disparate—and frequently non-compatible—systems presently utilized throughout the union.
Just two weeks ago, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented her own "ReArm Europe" plan designed to distribute some €800 billion ($866 billion) in EU defense spending over the next few years. The plan would allow EU member states to undertake additional debt amounting to as much as 1.5% of GDP for defense expenditures , generating an amount of €650 billion. Additionally, another €150 billion will be provided to member states asEU loans.
Certain EU countries will receive favorable terms for accessing affordable loans. These financial resources aim to encourage joint defense acquisitions among various EU nations along with allies like Norway or Ukraine. The monies may be utilized either for buying products from European producers or for goods where at least 65% of the parts come from within the EU.
The defense sector has embraced the proposal, particularly the concept of combined purchases. The European Aerospatiale Defense and Space Industries Association, a lobby organization, emphasized that long-term strategies are crucial for orchestrating security measures.
Support from the EU for Ukraine continues to be essential.
The primary objective of the European Union’s updated strategy is to sustainably back Ukraine as it confronts Russia. According to this plan, referred to as a “porcupine strategy,” EU allies intend to equip Ukraine with arms so that it can prevent potential future assaults and secure enduring peace.
The strategic document also explicitly indicates that Ukraine will stay at the forefront concerning European security and defense, remaining "a crucial arena for shaping the new global order where its security is intertwined with that of the European Union."
Apart from basic military aid like delivering 2 million artillery shells yearly or offering air defense equipment, the EU intends to extend additional support by incorporating Kyiv into various EU programs.
Strengthening alliances within NATO and extending them further
The document likewise tackles the evolving position of the United States as a strategic partner. Despite being acknowledged as a robust and conventional ally, the paper emphasizes that the U.S. intends to reduce its responsibilities as Europe’s “principal security provider.”
As Defense Commissioner Kubilius stated to journalists, "The security of 450 million Europeans shouldn’t rely on 340 million Americans for protection against 140 million Russians who couldn’t overpower 38 million Ukrainians."
Ongoing bilateral talks with the United States continue, along with collaboration across several sectors — some of which have seen growth. The European Union document advocates for enhanced coordination amongst NATO allies and countries such as India concerning security and defense matters. These proposed recommendations will soon undergo discussion among EU member states.
This article was originally written in German and translated by Jon Shelton.
Author: Lucia Schulten (based in Brussels)
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