EU leaders back sweeping continental rearmament plan
EU leaders have supported the European Commission’s proposal to drastically increase defense spending across the bloc, according to the European Council summit communique on March 6.
The document stated that “Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine and its implications for European and global security in a changing environment pose an existential challenge for the European Union.”
Leaders of the 27-member EU backed Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to enhance defense capabilities under the Rearm Europe program. They also urged the EU Council to quickly consider tapping EUR150 billion ($162 billion) in credit funds for arms procurement.
The European Council called on the Commission to identify additional sources of defense financing at the EU level, including new funding opportunities and incentives for all member states. EU leaders stressed that proposals on these matters should be presented as soon as possible.
In addition, the EU outlined key areas for strengthening its defense, including development of air defense systems, artillery, missiles, ammunition, drones and counter-drone measures. The plan also calls for enhanced strategic capabilities, protection of critical infrastructure, military mobility, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare — measures coordinated with the European Defense Agency and NATO.
The Council also emphasized the importance of protecting all EU land, air and maritime borders, including the eastern frontier, amid threats posed by Russia and Belarus. These issues will be discussed in the Council’s upcoming meetings in March and June.
At the same summit, 26 of the 27 EU member states approved a declaration in support of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne. Hungary abstained, while Slovakia voted in favor after assurances that the communique would include language calling for steps to “address” Russian natural gas transit through Ukraine.
Although the declaration will not be part of the official communique, it will appear in an appendix as “decisively supported by 26 member states.”
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