BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — European leaders on Monday called for urgent action to strengthen the continent’s defense capabilities, pledging to close critical gaps and boost industrial production in response to growing security threats.
At an informal retreat in Brussels, leaders focused on three key areas: military capabilities, financing, and partnerships. President of the European Council António Costa, speaking at a press conference after the meeting, emphasized the need for speed and unity.
“We must do more. We need to do it better, stronger, faster. And we need to do it together,” Costa said.
The talks came as the European Union grapples with Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, cyberattacks, and instability in the Middle East. Costa underscored that building a unified “Europe of Defense” is crucial to ensuring the continent’s security.
Addressing Defense Gaps
Leaders agreed to prioritize closing the most critical gaps identified by member states, aligning efforts with NATO where possible. Air and missile defense, military mobility, and strategic enablers were highlighted as top concerns.
Another key focus was strengthening Europe’s defense industry to increase production speed. “We must produce more of the capabilities we need, and do it faster,” Costa said.
Boosting Defense Spending
Defense spending across the bloc has surged by 30% since 2021, with the 23 EU nations that are also NATO members now allocating about 2% of their GDP to defense. The European Commission announced plans to explore more flexible budget rules to enable greater national defense spending.
In addition to public investment, Costa said the EU must mobilize private financing. The European Investment Bank has already expanded its support for security and defense industries, but more can be done, he noted.
Costa also signaled that defense funding would be a central topic in discussions on the EU’s next long-term budget cycle in 2028, while acknowledging the need for faster action. “It is clear to everyone that we need to act faster than that,” he said.
Strengthening NATO Ties
The EU’s strategic partnership with NATO remains a cornerstone of European security, Costa said, reinforcing transatlantic ties with the United States. Leaders met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration.
“The United States is our friend, our ally, and our partner,” Costa said, acknowledging occasional differences in views but emphasizing shared values of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and border security.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also joined the meeting, signaling a renewed energy in EU-UK relations. “There is a lot we can do together on defense and global challenges,” Costa said, noting that leaders are preparing for a high-level summit with the UK later this year.
Unwavering Support for Ukraine
Throughout the discussions, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s security and a lasting peace. The EU has already delivered €134 billion ($145 billion) in aid to Kyiv and vowed to continue backing Ukraine “for as long as necessary and whatever it takes.”
Costa described the talks as productive and forward-looking. “We are not discussing the ‘if’ anymore. We are discussing how to do it,” he said, adding that the European Commission and the Council now have clear political guidance on next steps.
With another European Council meeting scheduled for March, Costa stressed that the next priority would be bolstering the EU’s economic competitiveness. “The basis of Europe’s strength and autonomy is its competitiveness and prosperity,” he said.
The summit marked a turning point in EU defense policy, shifting the debate from whether stronger defense cooperation is needed to how it should be achieved. Leaders agreed that now is the time for decisions.
“The time has come to make choices and take action,” Costa said.
