Europe Launches €800 Billion Plan to Bolster Defense Amid Growing Security Challenges

Nations across Europe face tough financial decisions to meet increased military spending targets as the EU seeks strategic autonomy.

The European Union has proposed an €800 billion defense funding plan, responding to heightened threats from Russia and reduced U.S. security commitments.
European countries aim to raise military spending to 3% of GDP, with significant variations in financial capacity and approaches among member states.
France plans to double its military budget to €100 billion by 2030 but faces challenges balancing this with its high public debt and deficit reduction targets.
Germany is abandoning its debt brake policy to fund a substantial rearmament initiative, signaling a historic shift in fiscal priorities.
Private investment and innovative financing mechanisms, such as a potential European defense bank, are being explored to supplement government spending.