European leaders agree to step up defense efforts

(CLO) European Union (EU) leaders have agreed to increase defense efforts to deal with growing threats in the region.

This can be done through increased spending and filling gaps in military capabilities. The decision was made at a defense summit in Brussels (Belgium) on February 3.

Geographical map of EU member states. Photo: Youtube

"We have done a lot, but we need to do more. We need to act better, stronger, faster – and we need to do it together," said European Council President Antonio Costa.

EU leaders have agreed to focus on filling key gaps in defence, including air defence, missiles, ammunition and military transport, but the question of how to finance the plan remains unclear.

The EU's decision to beef up its defense comes amid Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns that Europe cannot rely too heavily on the United States for its security, concerns that have become more pressing as US President Donald Trump repeatedly demands that European countries increase their defense spending and questions his commitment to the NATO alliance.

Notably, the EU summit began shortly after Trump announced he would soon impose tariffs on goods imported from the EU, a move that has heightened trade tensions between the two sides.

According to EU estimates, in 2024, member states spent an average of 1.9% of GDP on defense, equivalent to about 326 billion euros ($334.5 billion), up 30% from 2021. However, the European Commission (EC) said the bloc may need to spend an additional 500 billion euros in the next decade to fill important gaps in the defense system.

Meanwhile, Mr. Trump called on NATO members to spend 5% of GDP on defense – a figure that even the US has not achieved.

EC President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU had several options to finance defence, including national spending, expanding the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and attracting private capital. "Europe needs a breakthrough in defence. And to do that, our defence industrial base must be strengthened," she stressed.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also took part in the discussions in Brussels. Their presence underscores the importance of EU-NATO coordination in an increasingly complex global security environment.

Cao Phong (according to BBC, CNN, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cac-lanh-dao-lien-minh-chau-au-nhat-tri-tang-cuong-quoc-phong-post332903.html