Overview

• The EU has approved a strategy to mobilize €800 billion over four years to strengthen defense readiness by 2030, focusing on air defense, missile systems, and drones.
• A €150 billion loan program and relaxed debt rules are proposed to finance joint procurement and military investments across member states.
• The initiative aims to reduce reliance on U.S. military support, citing concerns over its reliability under President Trump’s administration.
• The plan includes provisions to enhance military aid to Ukraine and ensure European-made systems are not vulnerable to foreign shutdowns.
• Internal divisions persist, as southern EU nations express resistance to increased defense spending due to high national debt levels.