EU proposes major defence boost as it eyes Russia and Trump

Bloc moves to strengthen defence sector in face of Russian aggression and prospect of weakened US support.

European Union officials have unveiled plans to boost the bloc’s defence sector as it eyes rising threats and the need to increase self-reliance.

Under the proposed European Defence Industrial Strategy, announced by the European Commission on Tuesday, the bloc would boost spending and increase cooperation in procurement. The blueprint is driven both by the need to respond more effectively to Russia’s war in Ukraine and to reduce Europe’s heavy reliance on the United States.

The plan calls for the EU to inject 1.5 billion euros ($1.63bn) into a joint defence industry programme between 2025 and 2027. Member states would also be required to make at least 40 percent of their defence equipment purchases collectively by 2030, and to have the value of intra-EU defence trade represent at least 35 percent of the EU defence market.

“After decades of underspending, we must invest more on defence, but we need to do it better and together,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. “A strong, resilient, and competitive European defence industry is a strategic imperative.”