EU Proposes €800 Billion Defense Plan Amid Growing Security Concerns
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a five-part plan to mobilize €800 billion to strengthen Europe’s defense and provide immediate military support to Ukraine following the suspension of U.S. aid. In a letter to EU leaders, she highlighted the urgent need for increased defense spending, emphasizing that Europe faces an unprecedented security threat.
The plan includes €150 billion in joint EU borrowing for military investments in air and missile defense, artillery, drones, cybersecurity, and mobility. Von der Leyen stressed that Europe must take greater responsibility for its security while continuing to work closely with NATO.
The proposal follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s pause on military aid to Ukraine and his call for NATO members to allocate 5% of their GDP to defense, a target no member currently meets. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged nations to exceed 3% as quickly as possible, as EU states, long reliant on U.S. military support, must now significantly increase their defense budgets.
