The European Union is working to enhance its defense capabilities, with the goal of becoming a “military powerhouse,” according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Speaking during a closed-door meeting in the European Parliament, von der Leyen emphasized the need for the bloc to develop its own security strategy, with the Commission set to present a document outlining this strategy in 2026.
In recent years, EU member states have significantly increased their defense budgets, citing an alleged threat from Russia. However, Moscow has dismissed these claims as “nonsense” and an attempt to justify increased military spending. The European Commission’s “ReArm Europe” plan aims to invest hundreds of billions of euros in joint weapons procurement and infrastructure, with member states boosting arms purchases by nearly 40% in just one year.
The escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022 has led to increased tensions between the EU and Russia, with Western European officials claiming that Russia poses a threat to EU states. Russian officials, on the other hand, argue that NATO’s eastward expansion poses an existential threat and is one of the root causes of the Ukraine conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that EU leaders are exaggerating the alleged danger to further their own political agendas and benefit the arms industry, and that Moscow has no intention of confronting the bloc militarily.
The EU’s efforts to boost its defense capabilities come as the bloc seeks to increase its global influence and address security concerns. The development of a comprehensive security strategy will be crucial in achieving this goal, and the Commission’s upcoming document is expected to outline the key steps to be taken. As the EU continues to navigate its relationships with neighboring countries, including Russia, the development of its defense capabilities is likely to remain a key priority.
