EU Unveils €800 Billion Defense Plan to Bolster Security and Reduce U.S. Reliance

The strategy includes a €150 billion loan program, prioritizes European-made arms, and explores a potential defense partnership with the UK.

The European Commission has presented its 'Readiness 2030' strategy, aiming to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities by addressing capability gaps and fostering a unified defense market.
A €150 billion loan program is included, requiring 65% of spending to go to suppliers in the EU, Norway, or Ukraine, with an emphasis on European-made weapons.
The plan seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. arms and addresses the potential threat of Russian aggression, which NATO intelligence warns could escalate within five years.
Discussions are ongoing about easing fiscal rules to unlock up to €650 billion in additional defense spending and about integrating the UK into EU defense projects through a potential partnership.
The strategy highlights investments in air and missile defense, drones, cyber warfare, and infrastructure protection, while proposing collaborative procurement to reduce market fragmentation.