EU Proposes €800 Billion Plan to Boost Defense Spending

Ursula von der Leyen unveils sweeping initiative to bolster European military capabilities as U.S. halts Ukraine aid.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented a plan to mobilize up to €800 billion for European defense spending over the coming years.
The proposal includes a €150 billion EU-backed loan mechanism and relaxed debt rules to enable member states to increase military budgets by an average of 1.5% of GDP.
Funds will target critical defense needs such as air and missile defense systems, artillery, drones, and cybersecurity measures.
The announcement follows the U.S. decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine, intensifying calls for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security.
The plan also seeks to leverage private investments and repurpose EU cohesion funds to strengthen defense industries across the bloc.