In order to strengthen the defense of the EU and start defensive industries, he needs to invest in 500,000 million euros in the coming years, but member states are still dividing what and where important equipment will be taken and how to finance everything.
Loess EU leaders meet in Brussels on Monday Start defining a common European defense strategy and financing. The meeting will take place in the neoclassical palace of the 16th century, in the center of Brussels and in the usual center of the Council of Europe, but in an informal withdrawal that is targeted to give them the necessary space. Frank and to maintain open discussions In the first Only the summit dedicated to defense.
To further release the language of the leaders, Common results are not expected at the end of the meetingNATO Military Alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during dinner.
In between 27 EU leader will discuss transatlantic relations and European defenseWith two key topics on the agenda: which military capabilities of the EU prioritize the EU, and how to finance the development and acquisition of such capabilities.
EU according to the European Commission You need to invest 500,000 million euros for defense For the next decade, only 8,000 million euros were allocated to this sector in the budget of the block until 2021-2027.
Finance is desperately necessary to restart the European Defense Industry after decimal investments, guaranteeing the necessary military equipment to help protect and protect the block of Ukraine from any possible attacker. Intelligence organizations warned that Russia could attack an EU country in 2030Because despite the sanctions imposed by the West to paralysis of their economies and war capabilities, he continues to overcome European colleagues in military equipment.
Shared sense of urgency
At the same time, most of the EU member states with NATO allies agree that the reflection on talents is based on a significant way, significantly, with a military alliance with a significant experience. Capacity Lago And the best way to fill them.
However, “a common sense of urgency between the member states and Europe needs to be a more productive, more autonomous and more reliable defender“A senior EU official said before the meeting.
This became even more urgent after Donald Trump returned to the White House. The US President attacked against NATO’s allies, who did not spend 2% of his GDP in defense, asked the expense to rise to 5%, and would encourage Russia to do what he wants with allies with allies. Do not pay enough.
.U. It was also increasingly displaced Particularly against Indo-Pacific and Foreign Policy against Chinese RegionIn the coming years, it is concerned about the possibility that Europe will carry some of its attention and military abilities to East Extremad.
However, In the EU, a consensus on the abilities that the block should give priorityAccording to an EU diplomat on anonymity, such as air defense, maritime defense, military mobility, cyberdefen and unmanned planes.
One of the most prickly problems to be solved capacityDiplomat added, Who will make them and who will control them.
Another possible field of dispute is whether EU financing will limit it to the purchase of European teams, ie whether it imposes a large number of European preferences. According to another EU diplomat speaking on the condition of anonymity, more or less reached The commitment to allocate financing to equipment with 65% of components from the EU.
Diplomat, this commitment “extra -doubt for the European reasons” is not yet completely convinced member states. According to reports, the capitals are trying to avoid some of these reluctances, for example Apply this preference to certain types of equipment and exceptions.Or distinguish short and long -term needs.
Financing puzzle
Regarding the financing, Member States Defense should take a majority in the next budget He is the versatile financial framework (MFP), which will start from 2028 to 2034 and whose negotiations will begin in the summer months. They also accept this You need to add financingL Before that date. But they don’t agree with where to get the money.
Some advocate a little flexibility in the financial rules of the block to allow the national expenses of the member states to exclude defense expenses, Others want to spread EurobonsOthers propose to reuse the unused money of other EU programs and expand the duties of the European Investment Bank (BEI).
AdvertThe last two are at least controversial. For example, nineteen member states BEI’s investment standards are expanded so that you can spend more on military activities. Beı authority was already updated in 2024 to allow it to invest in double -use projects that raised security and defense investments to 1,000 million euros last year. It is expected to double this figure in 2025.
Another extension will probably require the unity of the member states.. Meanwhile, frugal countries refused to update the financial standards of the block to increase defense expenditures and common debt issues for now. One of the quoted diplomats described him as “irresponsible”.
However, some frugal countries have changed their stance in recent months. This is Danish, which draws attention to the desire to apply to Eurobons. In Germany, which is another country close to its budget, the change of the government after the elections at the end of February may lead to a more favorable attitude for the proposal.
Opportunity moment
Rulled by Antonio Costa, President of the Council of Europe, and Polish Prime Minister Donald TUSK, the pension should not lead to any decision or a significant announcement of the decision of the EU Council. However EU diplomats and authorities rejected any criticism that the block was very slow. With your defense strategy.
Advert“We believe it is the right time Because we have a logical series, “he said, a senior EU official.
Later, the leaders will be two months to assimilate their suggestions on how to strengthen the safety of Europe and the industrial defense base before their next meetings at the end of June. A summit of NATO leaders in which a cost threshold will be announced And the target of reviewed abilities. “We will make decisions at the June summit,” an EU diplomat said.
