EU's von der Leyen proposes an $840 billion rearmament plan
The EU is set to significantly increase its defense spending in order to take “more responsibility” for its own security, according to the bloc’s chief. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has advocated for a significant increase in defense spending among EU member states, proposing around $840 billion, which would be more than double the total defense expenditure projected for 2024.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, von der Leyen referred to these as the “most dangerous of times,” highlighting the “grave” threats that confront the European Union.
“We are in an era of rearmament,” she asserted, noting that she has sent a letter detailing her 'ReArm Europe Plan' to leaders of member states in anticipation of the upcoming European Council meeting.
“ReArm Europe could mobilize close to €800 billion for a safe and resilient Europe,” she remarked. “This is a moment for Europe. And we are ready to step up.”
According to official data, the total defense spending within the bloc was estimated at $344 billion last year, marking a rise of over 30% since 2021.
The new initiative encompasses $158 billion in loans allocated to member states to enhance what von der Leyen referred to as “pan-European capability domains,” which include air and missile defense, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones, and anti-drone technology.
Von der Leyen noted that the proposed five-part strategy is also aimed at addressing the “short-term urgency” of supporting Ukraine.
Although she did not provide a specific timeline, she stressed the necessity for an urgent increase in defense spending “now but also over a longer period over this decade.”
Her announcement coincided with reports that US President Donald Trump had ordered a halt to military aid to Ukraine. Trump has consistently criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for allegedly avoiding peace negotiations with Russia and taking advantage of US support.
Historically, the EU has relied heavily on the US for security, primarily through NATO. However, the Trump administration has indicated a notable shift in policy, encouraging European nations to spearhead their own defense efforts, as well as that of Ukraine. Last month, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth mentioned that the US intends to redirect its military focus toward countering China, cautioning the EU against assuming a permanent American military presence in the region.
Trump has previously warned that under his administration, the US would not defend NATO countries that do not fulfill their financial obligations. He has even suggested raising the mandatory defense spending for members to 5% of GDP, a target none, including the US, currently meets.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a statement issued on Tuesday, von der Leyen referred to these as the “most dangerous of times,” highlighting the “grave” threats that confront the European Union.
“We are in an era of rearmament,” she asserted, noting that she has sent a letter detailing her 'ReArm Europe Plan' to leaders of member states in anticipation of the upcoming European Council meeting.
“ReArm Europe could mobilize close to €800 billion for a safe and resilient Europe,” she remarked. “This is a moment for Europe. And we are ready to step up.”
According to official data, the total defense spending within the bloc was estimated at $344 billion last year, marking a rise of over 30% since 2021.
The new initiative encompasses $158 billion in loans allocated to member states to enhance what von der Leyen referred to as “pan-European capability domains,” which include air and missile defense, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones, and anti-drone technology.
Von der Leyen noted that the proposed five-part strategy is also aimed at addressing the “short-term urgency” of supporting Ukraine.
Although she did not provide a specific timeline, she stressed the necessity for an urgent increase in defense spending “now but also over a longer period over this decade.”
Her announcement coincided with reports that US President Donald Trump had ordered a halt to military aid to Ukraine. Trump has consistently criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for allegedly avoiding peace negotiations with Russia and taking advantage of US support.
Historically, the EU has relied heavily on the US for security, primarily through NATO. However, the Trump administration has indicated a notable shift in policy, encouraging European nations to spearhead their own defense efforts, as well as that of Ukraine. Last month, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth mentioned that the US intends to redirect its military focus toward countering China, cautioning the EU against assuming a permanent American military presence in the region.
Trump has previously warned that under his administration, the US would not defend NATO countries that do not fulfill their financial obligations. He has even suggested raising the mandatory defense spending for members to 5% of GDP, a target none, including the US, currently meets.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
