04.03.2025 14:31
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe needs to take on more responsibility regarding its security. She expressed that their plan for Europe's rearmament could mobilize approximately 800 billion euros in defense spending.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe needs to take on more responsibility regarding its security, saying that the European rearmament plan they have prepared could mobilize approximately 800 billion euros in defense spending.
Von der Leyen introduced the EU's new defense package and rearmament plan at a press conference held in Brussels. Emphasizing that we are going through very important and dangerous times, von der Leyen expressed that failure to be prepared could lead to devastating consequences.
"IT IS CLEAR THAT WE ARE IN AN ERA OF REARMAMENT"
Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe's security is genuinely under threat and that Europe needs to take on more responsibility for its own security. Highlighting the importance of Europe acting decisively and swiftly, von der Leyen stated, "It is clear that we are in an era of rearmament. Europe is ready to significantly increase its defense spending." She pointed out that Europe needs to address urgent needs in the short term, continue support for Ukraine, and take on more responsibility for its security in the long term, explaining that she sent a letter to leaders ahead of the EU Summit scheduled for Thursday for this reason. In her letter, von der Leyen indicated that she summarized the plan to rearm Europe, stating, "The plan to rearm Europe includes a series of proposals focused on how we will use all available financial tools to help member states rapidly and significantly increase their defense spending both urgently and in the long term."
DEFENSE SPENDING WILL BE EXEMPT FROM FISCAL RULES
Stating that "the first part of the plan to rearm Europe is to free up the use of public funds for defense at the national level," von der Leyen explained that countries are ready to invest more in their security if their financial situation allows. She noted that they would propose activating the escape clause in the EU's fiscal rules, which would mean that increases in defense spending by member states would not be considered a violation of fiscal rules, thus allowing countries to comfortably increase their defense expenditures. Von der Leyen assessed that "if EU member states increase their defense spending to an average of 1.5% of their GDP, this could create a financial space of approximately 650 billion euros over a four-year period."
150 BILLION EUROS FOR JOINT DEFENSE SYSTEMS
Stating that "the second proposal will be a new instrument that will provide member states with 150 billion euros in credit for defense investment," von der Leyen expressed that this would relate to joint defense spending and would include increasing various capabilities across Europe, such as air and missile defense, artillery systems, missiles, ammunition, drones, and counter-drone systems. Von der Leyen said this would help member states consolidate their demands, make joint purchases, and provide urgent military equipment to Ukraine.
DIRECTING THE EU BUDGET TOWARDS DEFENSE
Pointing out that the third aspect of the plan is to utilize the strength of the EU budget, von der Leyen stated that rapid steps could be taken to direct funds towards defense investments in this area. She explained that she would present options that include the choice of whether member states want to use cohesion policy programs to increase their defense spending. Von der Leyen also expressed that they aim to accelerate savings and investment union efforts within the EU for defense contributions and to mobilize more private capital through the European Investment Bank (EIB), stating, "Europe is ready to take on its responsibilities. The plan for the rearmament of Europe could mobilize approximately 800 billion euros in defense spending." Additionally, an extraordinary EU Leaders' Summit on Ukraine and defense will be held in Brussels on March 6.