Four EU countries suggest double defensive costs up to 100 billion euros

Four EU Member States bordering on Russia see the need to double the cost of defense for a amount of at least 100 billion euros. Bloomberg reports, writes UNN.

Details

In prepared by Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Poland, the EU has a call to use common borrowing, allow the European Investment Bank to spend funds on basic defense needs and cooperate with European partners outside the block, which is obviously a reference to the UK.

According to estimates, in 2024, the military costs will be approximately 326 billion euros, but this amount should double if the block wants to reach the target expenses of at least 3% of the gross domestic product, as well as be prepared for “extraordinary military circumstances “.

The EU is currently preparing a new defensive strategy, and the bloc’s leaders should meet in Brussels on Monday to make their proposals.

This project should be presented in March, and the plan is planned by the end of the year. Although most Member States agree with the need to review Europe’s defense capabilities, industry and general readiness, the Bloc Member States have different views on how to do it.

Some countries, including Germany, have long resisted the use of joint borrowing to defense. US President Donald Trump said that NATO countries want 5% of GDP to defense, which is a level that even the United States is not reaching.

The Chairman of the European Commission Ursula von der Liaien has previously stated that at least 500 billion euros should be invested in defense over the next decade, but in the document that Bloomberg was introduced to the fact that there are urgent needs that cannot be waiting for the next budget cycle in 2028.

The EU and NATO demanded that Ukraine ensure efficient work of AOP and DOT – Stephanyshyn01/30/25, 14:51 • 24512 Views

According to the document, EU requirements include at least 50 billion euros for the increase in artillery production and strategic stocks.

The document also states that the other major priorities should include the creation of a European air and missile defense system, strengthening the borders of the block with Russia and Belarus, as well as expanding the possibilities for throwing and deploying forces.

The EU must work closely with NATO and guarantee that its standards and goals are agreed and closely related to the norms and goals of the Alliance, four Member States said. In this regard, they argue that the EU could consider setting the targets for increasing potential for critical capacity, such as air defense, ammunition and radio electronic fighting, which could be quickly deployed in due time.

Recall

The European Commissioner for Defense has called on NATO countries to increase arms reserves faster. The EU prepares the “Industrial Production Plan” and consider the use of frozen Russian assets for financing.