The European Commission has presented a strategic document outlining how the EU can strengthen its defense, with a particular focus on countering Russia.
Strengthening EU Defense
“The importance we place on defense is reflected in how much we invest in it. And over the past decade, it hasn’t been a priority,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas at the presentation of the new EU defense strategy in Brussels. She emphasized that the world has not seen such turmoil since 1945, making it imperative to act.
The Commission’s newly introduced White Paper on EU Defense Capabilities aims to enhance the resilience of the EU and its member states by 2030. One of the primary drivers of this initiative is the growing threat from Russia.
“If Russia is allowed to achieve its goals in Ukraine, its territorial ambitions will continue to expand. Russia will remain a fundamental threat to European security for the foreseeable future,” the document warns.
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stressed the need to expand defense plans, citing intelligence reports that suggest Russia may test NATO’s commitment to mutual assistance by 2030.
While the White Paper mainly addresses Russia, it also highlights challenges posed by an increasingly aggressive China, instability in the Middle East following the Assad regime’s collapse in Syria, and security risks from the Gaza conflict. Hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and sabotage of infrastructure are also flagged as major concerns.
Military Capabilities and Defense Investment
To bolster its resilience, the European Commission has identified critical areas for improvement, including air defense, missile defense, artillery systems, drones, and military transport capabilities. The strategy also seeks to secure large-scale funding for defense.
The Commission acknowledges that defense remains the responsibility of member states but aims to ensure that existing resources are used more efficiently. A key focus is on joint development, production, and procurement of weapon systems, addressing the current problem of fragmented and incompatible military technologies across EU nations.
Financing Through New Debt
Two weeks ago, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the Rearm Europe plan, which aims to mobilize €800 billion for defense spending in the coming years. The plan allows EU countries to increase their debt burden to 1.5% of their GDP, enabling up to €650 billion in defense spending. An additional €150 billion will be made available to member states in the form of loans.
Several EU countries are expected to benefit from the bloc’s favorable credit conditions. The funding will encourage joint arms purchases among EU nations and partners such as Norway and Ukraine, provided that 65% of components are sourced from within the EU.
The European defense industry has welcomed the proposals, particularly the emphasis on joint procurement, which allows for long-term security planning.
Continued Support for Ukraine
A core objective of the strategy is to sustain military support for Ukraine. The so-called porcupine strategy aims to arm Ukraine to a level where it can deter any aggressor. The White Paper describes Ukraine as central to shaping the new international order.
Beyond direct military aid, the EU plans to integrate Ukraine into its broader security initiatives.
Expanding Partnerships
The White Paper also acknowledges the changing role of the United States. While the U.S. remains a key partner, the document suggests that the EU must take greater responsibility for its own defense.
Defense Commissioner Kubilius put it bluntly: “The 450 million citizens of the European Union should not rely on 340 million Americans to defend them against 140 million Russians who have been unable to defeat 38 million Ukrainians.”
Bilateral discussions with the U.S. will continue, particularly in the areas of security and defense cooperation. The EU also plans to strengthen ties with NATO and expand defense collaborations with countries such as India.
Political Reactions
The European People’s Party (EPP) has broadly welcomed the White Paper, while the liberal Renew Europe group and the Greens consider it too unambitious. Green Party MEP Hannah Neumann has called for “real strategic independence” in financing, including discussions on issuing joint Eurobonds and establishing a specialized European defense bank.
The proposals will now be debated among EU member states before further action is taken.
