EU Leaders Push for Increased Defence Spending Amid Russian Threat and Global Instability

Call for Enhanced Defence Investment in Europe
During the recent North-South summit in Inari, Finland, EU leaders underscored the necessity of boosting defence spending to address increasing security concerns, particularly due to the ongoing threat posed by Russia. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of investing in critical defence capabilities, stating that in order to prevent war, more must be done to strengthen Europe’s security infrastructure. Kallas explained that security challenges vary by region but are interlinked, with a unified approach crucial to effectively addressing the diverse threats across the EU.

The urgency for more defence spending comes in the wake of Russia’s continued destabilizing actions, which have heightened tensions throughout Europe. Kallas remarked, “To prevent war we really need to do more on defence. We have to invest in critical capabilities.”

Record Defence Spending Growth in the EU
The call for more investment is backed by the European Defence Agency’s 2023 Defence Data report, which highlights a 10% increase in defence spending across the EU in 2023, bringing total expenditure to a record €279 billion. This marks the ninth consecutive year of growth in defence budgets within the EU. Notably, countries bordering Russia, such as Poland (3.3% of GDP), Estonia (3%), and Latvia (2.9%), allocated significantly more to defence than other EU members like Spain and Belgium, who spent only 1.2% of their GDP on military needs.

This disparity in spending reflects the varying levels of perceived threat among EU countries and the need for a more balanced distribution of defence resources. Countries closer to Russia continue to prioritize security and military readiness as a direct response to the growing threat from the east.

Impact of Trump Administration on European Defence
The summit also brought attention to the future of transatlantic relations, especially in the context of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming second term. Trump has previously voiced concerns about U.S. involvement in the war in Ukraine, which raised fears among EU leaders that U.S. support might waver. However, sources close to Trump indicated that the U.S. will continue sending military aid to Ukraine. Trump’s foreign policy team is also expected to push NATO allies to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP, a significant rise from the current spending levels.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to these concerns by reiterating the importance of continuing support for Ukraine, regardless of Trump’s stance. “To have peace, we need to support Ukraine,” she stated, urging EU countries to maintain their commitment to Kyiv’s defense despite uncertainties about U.S. policy. Meloni also suggested waiting to understand the new U.S. administration’s intentions more clearly before taking further action.