BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is taking decisive steps to strengthen its defense capabilities with a newly proposed 800 billion-euro plan. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, presented the ambitious “REARM Europe” initiative on Tuesday, designed to enhance the security of EU member nations. This move comes as the EU seeks to mitigate the potential consequences of shifting U.S. foreign policy and to provide crucial military support to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The proposal, totaling approximately $841 billion, will be discussed by the 27 EU leaders at an emergency summit in Brussels this Thursday. The urgency of the meeting follows a period of heightened political instability emanating from Washington, D.C., where former President Donald Trump has raised questions about the U.S.’s commitment to its European alliances and the defense of Ukraine.
Von der Leyen emphasized the severity of the current threats facing the EU, stating, “I do not need to describe the grave nature of the threats that we face.” Her plan, conceived prior to the recent U.S. decision to pause military aid to Ukraine, underscores a proactive approach to European security in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Historically, many EU nations have been reluctant to invest heavily in defense, relying on the security umbrella provided by the United States and grappling with economic constraints. This long-standing reliance and fiscal prudence have contributed to a situation where the EU finds itself increasingly on the periphery of global diplomatic influence. The “REARM Europe” plan aims to reverse this trend, positioning the EU as a more assertive and capable actor on the world stage.
Unpacking the 800 Billion Euro Defense Initiative
The core of Von der Leyen’s proposal lies in easing the EU’s fiscal regulations to enable member states to significantly increase their defense spending. This strategic adjustment would allow nations to bolster their military budgets without violating EU deficit rules or necessitating cuts in essential social programs.
Von der Leyen explained that if member states were to increase their defense spending by an average of 1.5% of their GDP, it could unlock approximately 650 billion euros ($683 billion) over four years. Complementing this, a 150 billion euro ($157 billion) loan program, backed by the collective EU budget, is proposed to further facilitate defense investments across the bloc.
The envisioned investments are earmarked for critical military upgrades, including air and missile defense systems, advanced artillery, missile and ammunition stockpiles, drone and anti-drone technologies, and enhanced cyber defense capabilities. These areas are deemed crucial for modernizing European armed forces and addressing contemporary security challenges.
Currently, many EU member states’ defense spending remains below the NATO target of 2% of GDP. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged member nations to aim for exceeding 3% of GDP as swiftly as possible, highlighting the growing urgency for increased defense investment within the alliance.
While the “REARM Europe” plan will serve as the foundation for discussions at the upcoming summit, immediate concrete decisions beyond high-level commitments are not expected. However, the proposal signals a significant shift in the EU’s approach to defense and security.
Supporting Ukraine: A Key Objective
Von der Leyen emphasized that the 800 billion euro plan is also intrinsically linked to supporting Ukraine. She stated that the initiative would empower member states to significantly increase their military assistance to Ukraine, particularly through joint procurement of essential military equipment. “With this equipment, member states can massively step up their support to Ukraine,” she affirmed.
This renewed European commitment to Ukraine is particularly salient in light of the U.S.’s recent “pause” in assistance to Kyiv. The EU’s stance starkly contrasts with Washington’s approach, as the EU has consistently advocated for strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position through increased military aid, rather than reducing support.
The U.S. decision followed a contentious meeting where former President Trump reportedly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for perceived insufficient gratitude for the substantial U.S. aid provided since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022.
For European leaders, the developments in Washington have reinforced concerns about the reliability of the transatlantic alliance, a cornerstone of global security since World War II. Von der Leyen, in a letter to EU leaders ahead of the summit, conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Some of our fundamental assumptions are being undermined to their very core. The pace of change is disconcerting and increasingly alarming.”
Navigating Internal EU Politics
A potential hurdle for the “REARM Europe” plan lies within the EU itself. Decisions on international affairs and Ukraine often require unanimous agreement among member states. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has frequently acted as a dissenting voice, potentially hindering consensus among the 27 nations.
Over the weekend, Orbán signaled his opposition to draft conclusions focusing on Ukraine’s defense and its role in negotiations. However, EU Council President Antonio Costa, the summit host, expressed optimism that Orbán would not obstruct the common defense aspects of the plan.
In a letter addressed to Budapest, Costa acknowledged the absence of objections from Hungary regarding European defense. He wrote, “Regarding European defense, I welcome the fact that no objections are raised in your letter. There appears to be broad agreement on the need for Europe to become more sovereign, more capable and better equipped.” This suggests a potential pathway forward for the EU’s ambitious defense initiative, despite the complexities of internal political dynamics.
