Brussels, Feb 04, 2025: European Union leaders convened for their first-ever dedicated defence summit on Monday, focusing on bolstering military readiness, increasing defence budgets, and enhancing strategic alliances.
European Council President Antonio Costa highlighted the pressing need to bridge key defence shortfalls, particularly in air and missile defence systems, ammunition manufacturing, and military mobility, in close coordination with NATO.
During a press conference, Costa emphasized the necessity of strengthening the European defence industry to expedite the production of military equipment. He pointed out that a robust industrial base is critical to ensuring Europe’s long-term security and stability.
According to Costa, defence expenditures among 23 EU member states have surged by 30 percent between 2021 and 2024, with an average of 2 percent of GDP now being allocated to defence. He underscored that this upward trend reflects the bloc’s growing commitment to security in an evolving global landscape.
The European Investment Bank has broadened its scope of support for defence financing, and discussions are ongoing regarding additional financial commitments, especially for the upcoming EU budget cycle beginning in 2028.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also participated in the high-level discussions, signifying the broader geopolitical interest in strengthening European military capabilities.
The ongoing Ukraine conflict remained a focal point of the summit, with EU leaders reaffirming their unwavering support for Kyiv, pledging assistance for “as long as necessary and by any means required.” The leaders underscored the importance of continued military aid, economic support, and diplomatic backing to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
Costa stressed that the EU has moved beyond deliberating whether to enhance its defence posture and is now focused on the implementation phase. He underscored the urgency of creating a more self-reliant and robust European security framework, emphasizing that strengthening Europe’s military preparedness is no longer optional but imperative.
With increasing geopolitical uncertainties, EU leaders signaled a unified commitment to accelerating defence modernization, fostering industrial self-sufficiency, and reinforcing alliances to secure the region’s long-term peace and stability.
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