EU fortifies defenses: €150 (CAD 234) billion plan targets military independence
The European Commission, in its latest publication known as the white paper, outlined key areas needing strengthening in the context of Europe’s defense strategy. Among them are air and missile defence systems, artillery, ammunition, and the East Shield initiative.
In the document, the European Commission detailed a rearmament plan previously outlined by President Ursula von der Leyen. This plan includes, among other components, CAD 234 billion in the form of loans for defence projects, as well as a relaxation of budgetary rules for member states regarding defence spending and the possibility of reallocating funds flexibly within the Union's budget.
The white paper emphasized that the presence of American troops in Europe has led to a certain degree of dependence on the USA. The document indicates that overreliance on American protection has weakened Europe's ability for self-defence and its autonomy in regional actions.
To overcome this dependence, it is necessary to develop defence capabilities through joint European projects, especially in light of potential changes in the United States' approach.
Seven key areas
The European Commission identified seven key areas where the European Union has significant deficiencies. The first of these is air and missile defence, followed by artillery systems, then ammunition and missiles.
The fourth area is drones and anti-drone systems. The fifth area is military mobility, the sixth involves the use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies in defence, and the seventh concerns strategic factors supporting defence capabilities and protecting critical infrastructure.
In the context of the last area, the document mentions the "East Shield" initiative, which aims to strengthen the protection of land borders.
