In the context of regional security facing many challenges, the old continent's plan to "re-arm Europe" marks a turning point in the EU's defense policy.
 |
| The extraordinary EU summit took place on March 6 in Brussels, Belgium. (Source: European Union) |
According to the website of the European Commission (EC), the agenda of the extraordinary summit of the European Union (EU) taking place on March 6 in Brussels, Belgium focuses on two “hot” topics of the bloc. The EU continues to support Ukraine and ensure the security of its own members, in the context that the administration of US President Donald Trump has begun negotiations with Moscow on ending the conflict in Ukraine but “ignoring” Kiev and the EU.
The EU’s concern about having to defend itself is clear: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently hinted that “No one can assume that the US presence is forever,” while National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said at the White House on February 20 that “it is time for European allies to shoulder greater responsibility.”
On March 2, European leaders, along with the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and EU leaders, attended a summit in London chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss ways to advance a peace plan for the conflict in Ukraine and strengthen defense capabilities against future security challenges in Europe.
Writing on social network X ahead of the extraordinary EU summit, European Council President Antonio Costa said: “We are living in a decisive moment for Ukraine and European security.
In consultations with European leaders, I have seen a shared commitment to addressing these challenges at EU level, including strengthening defence, making a decisive contribution to peace on our continent and to Ukraine’s long-term security.” According to EC figures, since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began more than three years ago, the EU has provided nearly €135 billion to Ukraine, including €48.7 billion for the country’s armed forces. Meanwhile, the bloc needs up to €500 billion in defence investment over the next 10 years.
Ahead of the summit, EC President Ursula von der Leyen proposed allocating 150 billion euros in joint loans to member states, within an overall financial package worth 800 billion euros to strengthen the bloc's defense capabilities.
According to Ms. von der Leyen, this plan aims to build up the EU's common defense capabilities, including air defense, missile defense, artillery, missiles, ammunition, UAVs and counter-UAV systems. These investments will be made through joint procurement programs to ensure compatibility between the weapons systems of member states.
The President of the European Commission proposed easing EU financial rules to allow member states to increase defense spending. She proposed temporarily exempting defense spending from deficit monitoring for the next four years by activating the exemption clause in the EU Stability and Growth Pact. She also stressed that if EU countries increased defense spending by 1.5% of GDP, it could create financial space of nearly 650 billion euros to support the implementation of important defense projects.
In the context of regional security facing many challenges, especially from the prolonged conflict in Ukraine and recent moves by Washington, the old continent's plan to "re-arm Europe" marks a turning point in the EU's defense policy.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/eu-tai-vu-trang-306565.html
Comment (0)