European Commission head urges EU nations to raise defense spending amid Russian aggression
Nation27 November 2024, 05:15 PM
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged the EU to boost defense spending in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine, Tagesschau reports on Nov. 27.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia spends up to 9% of its GDP on defense, compared to the EU’s 1.9%, calling for increased defense spending and a stronger arms industry.
She also urged the development of joint European defense projects to address this imbalance.
On Nov. 14, Bloomberg reported European nations are urging the Biden administration to bolster support for Ukraine ahead of a potential Trump presidency.
Meanwhile, on Nov. 26, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated the EU remains autonomous and unaffected by Trump’s stance on Ukraine or Russia.