BRUSSELS (Chatnewstv.com) — European Union leaders on Thursday reaffirmed plans to dramatically boost defence readiness over the next five years, declaring that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine constitutes an “existential challenge” to the bloc’s security and sovereignty.
In conclusions adopted at the European Council summit in Brussels, the 27 leaders called for increased defence spending, closer coordination, and accelerated joint procurement of military capabilities, while pledging deeper industrial integration across the EU’s fragmented defence sector.
“Europe must become more sovereign, more responsible for its own defence, and better equipped to act and deal autonomously and in a coordinated way,” the Council said.
While reiterating that NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defence for member states, the European Council said a stronger European defence posture would complement the transatlantic alliance.
“A stronger and more capable European Union in the field of security and defence will contribute positively to global and transatlantic security,” the statement noted.
The Council welcomed the recent adoption of the new Security Action For Europe (SAFE) regulation and encouraged swift legislative action on related proposals, including new incentives for defence investment within the EU budget and reforms to cohesion funding. Leaders also noted the imminent activation of national escape clauses under the Stability and Growth Pact to free up resources for defence spending.
Recognizing the strain on Europe’s defence industry, the Council urged immediate efforts to scale up production, harmonize military requirements, and prioritize joint procurement—particularly through the European Defence Agency.
“The urgency of strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base across the Union” must be met with a clear focus on innovation, standardization, and demand aggregation, the Council said.
Leaders called on the European Investment Bank to continue adjusting its lending practices to better support the defence sector and small- to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), including by revisiting restrictions on excluded activities.
The conclusions also stressed the need to defend all EU borders—land, sea, and air—with particular emphasis on the eastern flank, where threats from Russia and Belarus remain high.
“The defence of all EU land, air and maritime borders contributes to the security of Europe as a whole,” the Council added.
The EU’s new partnerships with the United Kingdom and Canada were welcomed as models of cooperation with “like-minded partners,” and further proposals on strengthening military mobility across the Union are expected.
Progress will be reviewed at the October 2025 European Council summit, when leaders will assess implementation and consider a roadmap toward full defence readiness.
The Council noted that its conclusions respect the unique defence policies of certain member states and reflect the collective interests of all EU members.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
