The European Union is accelerating the mobilization of necessary tools and funding to enhance security and protect its citizens, as confirmed by leaders of 27 member states during a summit held in Brussels on March 6. The EU aims to strengthen its collective defense readiness, reduce strategic dependencies, address critical capability gaps, and fortify the European defense technological and industrial base, enabling the swift and sufficient supply of equipment. The European Council emphasized the urgent need for a substantial increase in security and defense expenditures across Europe, aligning with the European Commission’s recent proposals. In particular, leaders welcomed the Commission’s initiative to recommend coordinated activation of an exemption from the Stability and Growth Pact as an immediate measure. Moreover, the Council urged the Commission to promptly develop additional defense financing sources at the EU level, ensuring equal treatment for all member states. Notably, the summit acknowledged the Commission’s intention to propose a new EU tool for providing member states with loans backed by the EU budget, potentially totaling up to €150 billion, which the Council will prioritize for urgent review. This strategic move significantly highlights the EU’s commitment to reinforcing its defense capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.
