European Union leaders have agreed to significantly increase defense spending in response to President Donald Trump’s suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
During an emergency summit in Brussels, 26 of the 27 EU member states endorsed a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to allocate €800 billion to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was the sole dissenter, refusing to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The initiative, dubbed “ReArm Europe,” aims to enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy by reducing reliance on external allies and strengthening its military infrastructure. The plan includes suspending EU budget rules to allow member states to increase defense spending, offering €150 billion in loans for joint defense projects, redirecting existing EU funds toward defense investments, lifting European Investment Bank lending restrictions to support defense firms, and creating a mechanism to mobilize private capital for defense.
The urgency for this substantial investment stems from the U.S. administration’s recent policy shifts. President Trump’s decision to halt military aid to Ukraine has prompted European leaders to reassess their security strategies and take greater responsibility for the continent’s defense.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions, labeling him an imperialist, and emphasized the need for Europe to defend itself against external threats.
Zelenskyy responded to the EU’s support, saying, “We are very thankful that we are not alone, and these are not just words. We feel it. It’s very important.”
The EU’s decision to bolster defense spending signifies a pivotal moment for the bloc, underscoring a commitment to strategic autonomy and a recognition of the need to adapt to evolving security challenges. The ReArm Europe plan represents a concerted effort to ensure the EU can independently safeguard its interests in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
