EU Unveils Ambitious Defense Strategy to Boost Self-Reliance

The plan includes a €1.5 billion fund to increase arms production and encourages EU members to prioritize European-made weapons.

The EU announces plans to significantly boost its defense industry, aiming for more self-reliance and less dependence on US arms.
The strategy includes a €1.5 billion fund to increase arms production, with a long-term goal of competing with the US defense industry.
EU members are encouraged to spend at least 50% of their defense budgets on European-made weapons by 2030, rising to 60% by 2035.
The plan also seeks to strengthen ties with Ukraine, treating it as a 'quasi-member state' for defense procurement.
Concerns over potential US isolationism under a Trump presidency and the ongoing war in Ukraine are driving the EU's push for a stronger defense industry.