In the event of a conflict with Russia, Europe would need to mobilize 300,000 additional troops without the support of the United States. Furthermore, to effectively counter Russia’s military power, significant investments in defense would be required, totaling around 250 billion euros per year, according to a study by the Brussels-based research institute Bruegel and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IFW).
The study’s authors estimate that European countries would need to create about 50 additional brigades, comprising 300,000 soldiers, to bolster defense capabilities. Moreover, at least 1,400 new tanks and 2,000 infantry combat vehicles would be necessary—figures that surpass the current reserves of Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom’s ground forces.
To meet these requirements, the researchers propose that European defense spending should increase annually from the current 2% of GDP to 3.5-4% of economic output. For Germany, Europe’s largest economy, a 3.5% increase would mean an annual defense expenditure boost from 80 billion euros to as much as 140 billion euros.
Massive investments in defense could also serve as an economic stimulus, according to a study by consulting firm EY and Deka Bank. Such investments in military equipment would primarily benefit the metal industry, service providers like transport and logistics companies, the metal trade, and research institutes. The positive impact on the job market would also be “substantial,” the authors conclude.
