Overview
- The EU Commission has presented a White Paper outlining a new defense strategy to address growing threats, particularly from Russia.
- The strategy identifies seven key areas for investment, including air and missile defense, drone systems, and electronic warfare.
- The plan proposes mobilizing 800 billion euros, including 150 billion in EU loans and exemptions from strict debt rules.
- Critics in the European Parliament argue the strategy fails to adequately address Europe's dependence on U.S. military components.
- Earlier drafts of the White Paper included warnings about U.S. reliance, but these were removed following intervention by Ursula von der Leyen's cabinet.