BRUSSELS — The head of the European Union’s executive branch on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious €800 billion (US$841 billion) defense initiative aimed at strengthening EU nations’ military capabilities. The plan is designed to reduce Europe’s reliance on the United States and provide Ukraine with the necessary firepower to negotiate with Russia, following Washington’s decision to halt military aid.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the “REARM Europe” initiative, which will be presented to the 27 EU leaders at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday. The proposal comes in response to mounting concerns over U.S. disengagement, particularly after President Donald Trump questioned his commitment to Europe and Ukraine’s defense.
A Strategic Shift in EU Defense Policy
“For years, we have lived under the illusion of security,” von der Leyen stated. “Now, we must recognize the gravity of the threats we face.”
Her proposal, initially in development before Trump’s aid freeze, would allow EU nations to boost military spending without violating strict fiscal regulations. It aims to loosen budgetary constraints, enabling countries to increase defense investments without cutting essential social programs.
Von der Leyen outlined that if member states raised their defense budgets by an average of 1.5% of GDP, it could free up nearly €650 billion ($683 billion) over four years. Additionally, an EU-backed loan program worth €150 billion ($157 billion) would help finance new military capabilities.
Strengthening Europe’s Military Capabilities
The plan prioritizes investment in critical defense systems, including:
- Air and missile defense
- Artillery and ammunition
- Drone and anti-drone technology
- Cybersecurity infrastructure
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged EU nations to raise their defense spending beyond 3% of GDP, surpassing the current 2% benchmark.
While Thursday’s summit is expected to generate strong commitments, immediate action on von der Leyen’s proposal is unlikely.
Supporting Ukraine in Its Struggle Against Russia
Von der Leyen emphasized that the plan would also help Ukraine by facilitating joint EU procurement of military supplies. “With these resources, member states can significantly ramp up their support for Ukraine,” she said.
Her comments come after Trump’s decision to “pause” U.S. assistance to Ukraine, pressuring President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to enter peace talks with Russia. The EU, however, insists that Ukraine should negotiate from a position of strength, requiring additional military aid rather than reduced support.
Trump’s move follows a tense Oval Office meeting in which he chastised Zelenskyy for not expressing sufficient gratitude for the $180 billion in U.S. aid Ukraine has received since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
In Europe, Trump’s decision has deepened concerns about the future of transatlantic relations. “Some of our core assumptions are being shattered,” von der Leyen wrote to EU leaders. “The speed of these developments is deeply unsettling.”
Navigating Political Roadblocks
Within the EU, unanimous approval is often required for foreign policy decisions, including those related to Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has repeatedly obstructed agreements on aid and military support for Kyiv.
Over the weekend, Orbán signaled opposition to sections of the summit’s draft conclusions regarding Ukraine’s defense. However, EU Council President Antonio Costa remains hopeful that Hungary will not block the broader push for European defense autonomy.
In a letter to Budapest, Costa noted, “Regarding European defense, I welcome the fact that no objections have been raised. There appears to be broad consensus on the need for Europe to be more sovereign, more capable, and better prepared.”
The upcoming summit will test whether the EU can achieve unity in the face of growing global instability.
