The European Union (EU) prioritises security enhancement to address numerous external challenges, as the United States, its ally across the Atlantic, adjusts its foreign policy and global geopolitical tensions escalate. Significant decisions at the EU's special summit in Brussels reflect the bloc's determination to respond to these challenges.
The summit achieved a crucial outcome aimed at strengthening the defensive capabilities of the EU amidst global geopolitical tensions.
Leaders of the 27 member states endorsed the ReArm Europe plan, which aims to mobilise approximately 800 billion EUR, with 150 billion EUR provided as loans, to support countries in enhancing their military and defence capabilities.
The loans are intended to promote joint defence projects, particularly in critical areas such as air defence, missiles, drones, and artillery systems. Notably, the plan allows member states to increase military spending without being counted towards national budget deficits, which are capped at 3% of GDP.
Although the plan initially faced opposition from some member states, due to concerns about budget stability, its adoption marks a significant shift in the EU's defence policy.
The new context poses numerous risks to Europe's security future. US statements about reconsidering aid to Ukraine, along with former President Donald Trump's hints about potentially withdrawing the US from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), where most EU countries are members, have prompted Europe to prepare for a scenario without US security assistance.
Additionally, the EU-US relationship may face increased tensions over trade tariffs. The conflict in the Middle East threatens energy security and could spark a new wave of migration, while cyberattacks on the EU's critical infrastructure are other challenges.
French President Emmanuel Macron noted that Europe is at a “historic turning point.”
Despite showing determination to enhance autonomy, the EU is considered overly ambitious with the ReArm Europe plan given current difficulties.
Implementing the plan is not straightforward, as EU countries have different views on defence spending. Although Germany, a key EU member, is shifting its policy towards increasing military budgets, some other members remain hesitant due to financial pressures.
Some opinions suggest that, in the long term, EU member states must offset military spending by increasing taxes or cutting other expenditures. This could increase the burden on national budgets and affect socio-economic sectors.
Contributing financially to shared defence responsibilities has long been a challenging equation for Europe. In 2024, the US contributed 860 billion USD to NATO, while the total defence spending of the 30 European NATO countries was about 380 billion USD.
As the ongoing conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of easing, the EU has committed to long-term support for the country and proposed establishing a “voluntary alliance” to help Ukraine.
However, long-term support for Ukraine requires internal EU consensus. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has repeatedly warned that Hungarian citizens would suffer significant losses if the EU were to implement a plan to replace US financial aid for Ukraine, as the US focuses on resolving important domestic issues.
Poland, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council for the first six months of 2025, considers enhancing security for the bloc a top priority on its agenda.
Despite the EU's difficulties, the recent special summit in Brussels is an important step, demonstrating the bloc's efforts toward autonomy in security.
NDO
