Russia poses threat, more defense spending needed, says European Council
Photo: European Council (Getty Images)
The European Union must increase investments in its defense in light of Russia's war against Ukraine, which has had serious consequences for European security. The Kremlin's actions will remain a major threat to Europe for a long time to come, according to the conclusions of the European Council.
"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and its repercussions for European and global security in a changing environment constitute an existential challenge for the European Union," the statement says.
In response to the decisions made at the recent NATO summit, the European Council urges EU member states to take the following steps:
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to increase national defense and security expenditures;
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to use the instrument of joint defense procurement more actively;
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to coordinate defense commitments among member states;
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national parliaments should quickly consider and approve the proposal to increase NATO defense spending;
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to mobilize private financing for the defense sector;
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the European Investment Bank should also provide adequate funding for the defense industry;
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to do everything possible to ensure that the European defense industry has defense companies in the right areas
"The European Council underlines that the defence of all EU land, air and maritime borders contributes to the security of Europe as a whole, in particular as regards the EU's eastern border, considering the threats posed by Russia and Belarus," the document says.
The European Council also announced that progress on implementing these recommendations will be reviewed in October 2025 during the next scheduled meeting. Until then, EU member states have time to begin taking the necessary steps to strengthen security.
"The European Council recalls that a stronger and more capable European Union in the field of security and defence will contribute positively to global and transatlantic security and is complementary to NATO, which remains, for those States that are members of it, the foundation of their collective defense," the statement reads.
Europe to increase defense spending
Following the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24–25, 2025, NATO countries, except for Spain, have agreed to increase their defense and security spending. By 2035, each member state is expected to allocate 5% of its GDP to defense. Ukraine, although not yet a NATO member, also managed to make the most of the summit and secure beneficial outcomes.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he expects European NATO members to increase their defense budgets. The 5% GDP target was proposed by Washington. In light of Europe's agreement to this goal, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the allies have "stepped up."
