KEY POINTS
- EU chief calls for increased defence spending, warning Europe can no longer rely on full US protection
- EU leaders back a massive defence funding plan, including €150 billion in EU-backed loans for military investment
- EU chief highlights Russia’s defence budget surpassing Europe’s combined spending
- Proposal for stronger joint defence cooperation and relaxed fiscal rules for military spending
- Plans to train 100,000 civilians by 2027, offering financial incentives for participation
- Macron and Starmer push for a European coalition to enforce a future Ukraine ceasefire
STRASBOURG, France: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for a “surge” in defence spending, warning that Europe can no longer rely on “America’s full protection” amid rising security concerns over Russia and faltering US support.
Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen said Europe’s security order was “being shaken,” urging the 27-member bloc to take greater responsibility for its own defence.
“The time of illusions is now over. Europe is called to take greater charge of its own defence,” she told lawmakers. “We need a surge in European defence. And we need it now.”
Her remarks come as concerns grow over the United States’ future commitment to European security, particularly in light of US President Donald Trump’s comments questioning NATO’s collective defence obligations.
Boosting defence spending
The European Union is already moving towards greater military investment, with EU leaders last week endorsing a plan to mobilise up to €800 billion (£687 billion) to enhance the bloc’s defence capabilities.
The proposal includes €150 billion in EU-backed loans to support member states and relaxes fiscal rules to facilitate increased military spending.
Von der Leyen stressed that the loans should be directed towards “strategic capability” within Europe’s own defence industry.
“These loans should finance purchases from European producers, to help boost our own defence industry,” she stated, adding that long-term contracts would provide “predictability” and encourage “joint procurement.”
It remains unclear whether this initiative would include defence manufacturers from non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, or Turkey.
Strengthening European deterrence
Von der Leyen also warned of the growing military strength of Russia, noting that the Kremlin’s defence budget now surpasses “all of Europe combined.”
“We all wish we could live in more peaceful times. But I am confident that, if we unleash our industrial power, we can restore deterrence against those who seek to do us harm,” she said.
She further called for the establishment of a “European Defence Union” to ensure lasting security on the continent through unity and military strength.
The commission’s plan would allow member states to redirect existing EU funds, including those allocated for economic cohesion, towards defence projects.
It would also ease restrictions on defence-related investments by the European Investment Bank.
The proposal is expected to be a key focus at an upcoming EU summit in Brussels next week, where leaders will discuss additional measures to “substantially boost financing for European defence.”
Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, which represents the bloc’s member states, told the European Parliament that discussions would continue to “build our deterrence and strengthen the security of our continent.”
Calls for joint military training
Meanwhile, Poland has announced plans to expand large-scale voluntary military training amid Russian influence in the region.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk detailed the initiative, which aims to train 100,000 civilians by 2027.
“We will expand training programmes as soon as possible so that everyone who wants to participate can do so in 2026,” Tusk stated.
Under the scheme, which will be open to adults aged 18 to 60, participants will receive a one-off payment of 6,000 Polish złoty (€1,431) for completing a month-long training.
The programme will also offer additional skill development, such as expedited driving licences for larger transport vehicles.
A draft law to formalise these plans is expected by the end of March.
Macron and Starmer push for ceasefire coalition
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have been leading efforts to form a “coalition of the willing” to enforce a future ceasefire in Ukraine.
Macron has stated that any deployment of European troops would only occur “once a peace deal is signed, to guarantee it is fully respected.”
Defence ministers from France, Britain, Germany, Italy, and Poland are set to meet in Paris on Wednesday to discuss “the necessary rearmament of Europe” and further military support for Ukraine, according to a French defence ministry official.
Starmer will also host virtual talks on Saturday with leaders willing to contribute to the ceasefire enforcement effort.
Warnings from Dutch defence minister
At a security conference in Paris, Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans warned that “Europe is standing at the crossroads” as threats from Russia continue to escalate.
“We don’t have much time to get this right. We only have one shot,” he said, referring to NATO’s responsibility to deter further Russian aggression.
Brekelmans also cautioned against complacency regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s long-term ambitions.
“Putin has made very clear that Ukraine is not his final stop on his campaign to the imperial past,” he said. “It’s a dream for Putin, and it’s a nightmare for the rest of Europe.”
He emphasised the need for Western nations to help Ukraine negotiate from a position of strength, warning against any agreement that would leave “aggression constantly looming on the horizon.”
France’s vision for European defence
Macron’s recent push for greater European military independence aligns with his long-held vision of a “stronger, more self-reliant Europe.”
During a recent speech, he stressed that Europe must be prepared to act alone if necessary, as geopolitical uncertainties continue to grow.
Macron has also extended France’s nuclear deterrent umbrella to the rest of Europe, with negotiations on deeper security cooperation expected to conclude by mid-2025.
Clément Beaune, France’s newly appointed High Commissioner for Planning, echoed these concerns, stating that “a lot of time has been lost on European defence.”
He insisted that France must “invest more in its armed forces without breaking its social model.”
