Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia-Ukraine war
The European Union leaders have settled on a huge increase in military expenditure because of growing uncertainty about U.S. dedication to European security. Recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, including his welcoming of Russia, withdrawal of U.S. support for Ukraine, and disruption of long standing cooperative frameworks, have caused the European allies to doubt. To address these concerns, the 27 EU leaders agreed on proposals to loosen budgetary restraints to allow member states to increase their military spending. The European Commission has been tasked with finding new ways to facilitate increased defense spending by all EU member states.
The EU executive calculates that an estimated 650 billion euros can be freed up under these proposals. In addition, the European Commission put forward a 150 billion euro loan package to help countries purchase new military equipment. The step has been hailed as helping to boost Europe's defense capabilities amid the growing security threat from Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the defense investment plan as a "watershed moment" for Ukraine and Europe, as the continent needs to be capable of defending itself from external threats.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Europe for the backing, stating that increased military spending would help in the growth of Ukraine's defense industry. Ukraine, which has lower production costs for weapons compared to other European nations, is well positioned to benefit from the EU's investment in increased defense spending. Zelenskyy contrasted the support of European leaders with his more tense meeting with President Trump in Washington just a few days earlier, and he noted the importance of European unity in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia.
Despite the EU's attempts, there remain significant disagreements on how to approach military strategy and defense expenditure. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a long time fan of Trump and close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, took exception to parts of the summit's pro Ukraine stance. However, the majority of EU leaders reaffirmed that there could be no discussion on Ukraine without its direct involvement and that the European nations must be represented at any security discussions. This is reflective of the EU's ongoing inability to manage its own security independent of U.S. influence.
In the face of heightened Russian aggression, France has been leading the charge for a more autonomous European defense policy. French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed that France's nuclear deterrent can be a cornerstone to protect Europe from Russian aggression, a proposal which has been met with resistance from Moscow. Nevertheless, countries like Poland and the Baltic states have embraced this proposal. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also made a statement, suggesting that London and Paris will work together on a peace deal with Ukraine, suggesting further European led attempts at ending the war with Russia. These attempts at diplomacy have been rebuffed by Russian leaders, who view such suggestions as fueling the conflict.
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