EU Urged to Enhance Defence Spending in Response to Russian Threats
Calls for increased investment and collaboration among EU member states highlight the need for enhanced defence readiness.
European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has called on EU member states to significantly boost defence spending to prepare for potential future threats, particularly from Russia.
Speaking at the European Defence Agency’s annual conference held in Brussels, Kallas underscored the necessity for the EU to become self-reliant in defence matters if circumstances require it.
Currently, EU nations allocate an average of 1.9% of their GDP to defence, whereas Russia’s defence spending is notably higher at 9%.
Kallas stressed the EU's need to secure at least €500 billion over the next decade to establish a competitive defence sector.
This contrasts starkly with the current allocation of just €13 billion for defence from the EU's budget for the period from 2021 to 2027.
The urgency of her appeal is heightened by concerns over Russia's potential to challenge the EU’s defence readiness in the coming years.
Reflecting a proactive stance, Lithuania has already made commitments to elevate its defence budget, aiming to reach between 5% and 6% of its GDP by 2026.
Kallas further stated that the EU does not necessitate a single European army but rather 27 robust and coordinated national armies that can collaborate effectively to neutralize threats.
The sentiment resonates with statements from French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who have both expressed similar worries about Europe's defence autonomy.
Adding to this perspective, Andrius Kubilius, the EU's newly appointed Commissioner for Defence and Space, advocated for more synergistic efforts and a unified strategy to amplify defence manufacturing across Europe.
Kallas clarified that the EU's message to the United States is explicit: Europe is committed to assuming a larger share of responsibility for its own security, reflecting an evolving stance towards greater defensive self-sufficiency.
Speaking at the European Defence Agency’s annual conference held in Brussels, Kallas underscored the necessity for the EU to become self-reliant in defence matters if circumstances require it.
Currently, EU nations allocate an average of 1.9% of their GDP to defence, whereas Russia’s defence spending is notably higher at 9%.
Kallas stressed the EU's need to secure at least €500 billion over the next decade to establish a competitive defence sector.
This contrasts starkly with the current allocation of just €13 billion for defence from the EU's budget for the period from 2021 to 2027.
The urgency of her appeal is heightened by concerns over Russia's potential to challenge the EU’s defence readiness in the coming years.
Reflecting a proactive stance, Lithuania has already made commitments to elevate its defence budget, aiming to reach between 5% and 6% of its GDP by 2026.
Kallas further stated that the EU does not necessitate a single European army but rather 27 robust and coordinated national armies that can collaborate effectively to neutralize threats.
The sentiment resonates with statements from French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who have both expressed similar worries about Europe's defence autonomy.
Adding to this perspective, Andrius Kubilius, the EU's newly appointed Commissioner for Defence and Space, advocated for more synergistic efforts and a unified strategy to amplify defence manufacturing across Europe.
Kallas clarified that the EU's message to the United States is explicit: Europe is committed to assuming a larger share of responsibility for its own security, reflecting an evolving stance towards greater defensive self-sufficiency.
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