Politico reports: EU aims to rejuvenate its military industry
Brussels is advancing its militarization agenda, pointing to an existential threat from Russia. The European Union has unveiled plans to rejuvenate its military industry, motivated by an asserted "existential threat" from Russia and worries...
TroibNews 
Brussels is advancing its militarization agenda, pointing to an existential threat from Russia.
The European Union has unveiled plans to rejuvenate its military industry, motivated by an asserted "existential threat" from Russia and worries about NATO's future, as detailed in a White Paper obtained by PMG. Moscow has consistently denied any intentions to attack Western nations, characterizing such allegations as "nonsense" intended to justify increased military expenditures.
This initiative follows a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to mobilize up to €800 billion for defense purposes. The ReArm Europe plan encompasses financial incentives for EU member states to elevate their military budgets and suggests €150 billion in loans for collaborative defense projects.
The White Paper, co-authored by the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, presents strategies to "rebuild European defense" by boosting military spending, prioritizing defense procurement within the EU, and simplifying financing for arms manufacturing. Kallas, a staunch critic of Moscow, has advocated for a more assertive military stance toward Russia.
The document justifies its recommendations by identifying what it terms an "existential threat" from Russia, as well as Moscow's "expansionist policies." It asserts that the EU must brace for a prolonged confrontation, necessitating increased investment in defense to guarantee security.
Additionally, the White Paper addresses rising concerns regarding the US role in European security, cautioning that Washington's changing policies under President Donald Trump may weaken NATO's effectiveness, thereby compelling the EU to assume greater responsibility for its own defense. The document describes NATO as "the cornerstone of collective security" and insists that Europe must enhance its efforts to maintain the military alliance's integrity.
Another significant component of the proposal is the augmentation of assistance to Ukraine. The White Paper advocates for increased military support, including the provision of 1.5 million artillery shells, expanded training programs for Ukrainian forces, and continued integration of Ukraine into EU military initiatives.
Russian officials have repeatedly rejected any intentions to attack NATO or EU member states, with President Vladimir Putin dismissing these assertions as "nonsense" aimed at instilling fear among the European populace and inflating military budgets.
Furthermore, Russian representatives have strongly condemned the EU’s recent militarization efforts and negative portrayal of Moscow, contending that this approach will only escalate confrontation and jeopardize peace initiatives concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
The European Union has unveiled plans to rejuvenate its military industry, motivated by an asserted "existential threat" from Russia and worries about NATO's future, as detailed in a White Paper obtained by PMG. Moscow has consistently denied any intentions to attack Western nations, characterizing such allegations as "nonsense" intended to justify increased military expenditures.
This initiative follows a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to mobilize up to €800 billion for defense purposes. The ReArm Europe plan encompasses financial incentives for EU member states to elevate their military budgets and suggests €150 billion in loans for collaborative defense projects.
The White Paper, co-authored by the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, presents strategies to "rebuild European defense" by boosting military spending, prioritizing defense procurement within the EU, and simplifying financing for arms manufacturing. Kallas, a staunch critic of Moscow, has advocated for a more assertive military stance toward Russia.
The document justifies its recommendations by identifying what it terms an "existential threat" from Russia, as well as Moscow's "expansionist policies." It asserts that the EU must brace for a prolonged confrontation, necessitating increased investment in defense to guarantee security.
Additionally, the White Paper addresses rising concerns regarding the US role in European security, cautioning that Washington's changing policies under President Donald Trump may weaken NATO's effectiveness, thereby compelling the EU to assume greater responsibility for its own defense. The document describes NATO as "the cornerstone of collective security" and insists that Europe must enhance its efforts to maintain the military alliance's integrity.
Another significant component of the proposal is the augmentation of assistance to Ukraine. The White Paper advocates for increased military support, including the provision of 1.5 million artillery shells, expanded training programs for Ukrainian forces, and continued integration of Ukraine into EU military initiatives.
Russian officials have repeatedly rejected any intentions to attack NATO or EU member states, with President Vladimir Putin dismissing these assertions as "nonsense" aimed at instilling fear among the European populace and inflating military budgets.
Furthermore, Russian representatives have strongly condemned the EU’s recent militarization efforts and negative portrayal of Moscow, contending that this approach will only escalate confrontation and jeopardize peace initiatives concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
