President of the European Commission presents five steps to strengthen Europe’s defense
4 March 2025 12:12
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled the EU’s defense package, which includes a massive increase in security and military spending. She emphasized that Europe must take more responsibility for its own defense, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
5 steps to security
In her plan, von der Leyen outlined five main areas.
1. Expanding public funding for defense
EU countries will be allowed to increase defense spending without the risk of exceeding the budget deficit. According to her, if member states invest an average of 1.5% of GDP in security, this will create an additional resource of €650 billion over four years.
2. A new financial instrument
The European Commission is proposing to create a €150 billion loan facility for defense investments. The money will be used to purchase air defense systems, artillery, ammunition, drones, cybersecurity and military mobility equipment.
3. Use of the EU budget
Additional financial incentives will be offered to EU member states to enable them to attract European funds for the development of the defense industry.
4. Mobilization of private capital
The EU will accelerate the creation of a savings and investment union, which will allow attracting additional funds to the defense sector.
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5. Involvement of the European Investment Bank
This financial mechanism will facilitate the active development of military infrastructure and strategic projects.
Von der Leyen said that the proposed measures could help mobilize up to €800 billion to strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities. She also emphasized that the EU will continue to work closely with NATO, but the time has come for Europe to act decisively.
Security of Ukraine and Europe
The Munich Security Conference 2025 came as a real shock to many and a cold shower to European politicians after US representatives voiced their vision of the future security model in Europe and the world. In particular, US Vice President Jay De Vance ‘s speech was about Europe no longer relying on the US security umbrella, as the US will no longer guarantee it. The Europeans were also told that the security of Ukraine after the ceasefire with Russia will also be on their shoulders, as it concerns European affairs, from which the United States is withdrawing.
And now the United States does not even “physically” see Europe at the table with Russia.
Against this backdrop, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the creation of the European Armed Forces. This idea has already been quickly rejected in Poland.
Europeans were shocked by this turn from the United States. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was the first to recover, saying that his country “can and will” send its contingent to Ukraine as a peacekeeper if a truce with Russia is concluded.
on February 17, French President Emmanuel Macron urgently convened the heads of “leading European states” to form a common position on this issue. However, it was not achieved. As it turned out, Britain, France, and Sweden were in favor of sending peacekeeping contingents to Ukraine, while Germany, Poland, Italy, and Spain were against it. Later, Macron said he was not going to send troops to Ukraine.
