EU aims to boost weapons stockpiles by 2030, shifting NATO's goals by 14 years
Photo: European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius (Getty Images)
The EU wants member states to accelerate the buildup of their weapons stockpiles. Brussels aims to move NATO's targets forward by 14 years, Euractiv cites European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius.
He made the statement at a conference marking the 20th anniversary of the European Defense Agency (EDA). The commissioner said that he expected decisions on the European defense industry programme (EDIP) from the European Parliament and the European Council. In his view, it will significantly boost weapons production.
Europe should achieve these increased targets “no later than 2030, instead of in 2044, as planned," Andrius Kubilius said.
EU intelligence services warn that within five years, Russia could be ready for a potential war with NATO and the EU if no action is taken. Russia's economy is already running at full capacity, with factories producing weapons and ammunition around the clock.
The EU will propose an "industrial input plan," which Kubilius presented in the fall.
Risks of NATO-Russia war
In mid-2024, Estonian intelligence reported that Russia was preparing for a new war, and a conflict with NATO cannot be ruled out. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also acknowledged the possibility of a NATO-Russia war, urging allies to prepare for potential risks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that the next victims of Vladimir Putin's regime could be the Baltic states or Poland.
EU Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas, citing intelligence, said that Russia could test the EU's defense capabilities within three to five years.
