European leaders agree to step up defense efforts

(CLO) European Union (EU) leaders have agreed to increase defense efforts to deal with growing threats in the region.

This can be done through increased spending and filling gaps in military capabilities. The decision was made at a defense summit in Brussels, Belgium, on February 3.

Geographical map of EU member states. Photo: Youtube

“We have done a lot, but we need to do more,” stressed European Council President Antonio Costa. “We need to do better, stronger, faster – and we need to do it together.”

EU leaders have agreed to focus on filling key gaps in defence, including air defence, missiles, ammunition and military transport. However, the question of how to finance the plan remains unclear.

The EU’s decision to beef up its defenses comes amid Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns that Europe can no longer rely too heavily on the United States for its security, concerns that have become more pressing as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that European countries increase their defense spending and questioned his commitment to the NATO alliance.

Notably, the EU summit began shortly after Trump announced he would soon impose tariffs on goods imported from the EU, a move that has heightened trade tensions between the two sides.

According to EU estimates, in 2024, member states spent an average of 1.9% of GDP on defense, equivalent to about 326 billion euros ($334.5 billion), up 30% from 2021. However, the European Commission (EC) said the bloc may need to spend an additional 500 billion euros over the next decade to fill important gaps in the defense system.

Meanwhile, Mr. Trump called on NATO members to spend 5% of GDP on defense – a figure that even the US has not achieved.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU had a number of options to finance defence, including national spending, expanding the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and attracting private capital. “Europe needs a breakthrough in defence. And for that to happen, our defence industrial base must be strengthened,” she said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also took part in the discussions in Brussels. Their presence underscores the importance of EU-NATO coordination in an increasingly complex global security environment.

Cao Phong (according to BBC, CNN, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cac-lanh-dao-lien-minh-chau-au-nhat-tri-tang-cuong-quoc-phong-post332903.html