European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday unveiled a five-part plan to mobilize 800 billion euros for Europe’s defense and deliver immediate military support to Ukraine following the suspension of US aid.
“ReArm Europe could mobilise close to EUR 800 billion for a safe and resilient Europe. We will continue working closely with our partners in Nato. This is a moment for Europe. And we are ready to step up,” Leyen said in a statement.
Here’s an FAQ on the 800-billion-euro plan
What is the purpose of the EU’s 800 billion euros defence plan?
The plan, called “ReArm Europe”, aims to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities and provide immediate military support to Ukraine following the suspension of US aid. It is designed to ensure European security in the face of growing threats.
How will this plan help Ukraine?
The plan will allow EU countries to quickly send military equipment to Ukraine, including air and missile defence systems, artillery, missiles, drones, and anti-drone systems.
Why is this plan being proposed now?
The EU is facing a “clear and present danger”, according to von der Leyen, due to increasing security threats. Additionally, uncertainty over US support for Ukraine, especially after Washington paused aid and former President Donald Trump’s comments on Nato, has prompted Europe to take stronger action.
“Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us has seen in our adult lifetime,” Leyen wrote.
How will EU countries finance their increased defence spending?
By suspending strict budget rules, countries can raise spending without triggering excessive deficit procedures. Additionally, EU loans and redirected funds will provide financial support for defence investments.
What role does the European Investment Bank (EIB) play in this plan?
EU leaders are considering removing restrictions on the EIB to enable it to finance defence companies, ensuring easier access to capital for military-related projects.
What does this mean for Europe’s long-term security?
This initiative marks a significant shift towards EU self-reliance in defence, reducing dependence on the US while enhancing Europe’s military preparedness and resilience.
Here’s full statement by President von der Leyen on the defence package
We are living in the most momentous and dangerous of times. I do not need to describe the grave nature of the threats that we face. Or the devastating consequences that we will have to endure if those threats would come to pass. Because the question is no longer whether Europe’s security is threatened in a very real way. Or whether Europe should shoulder more of the responsibility for its own security. In truth, we have long known the answers to those questions. The real question in front of us is whether Europe is prepared to act as decisively as the situation dictates. And whether Europe is ready and able to act with the speed and the ambition that is needed. In the various meetings in the last few weeks – most recently two days ago in London – the answer from European capitals has been as resounding as it is clear. We are in an era of rearmament. And Europe is ready to massively boost its defence spending. Both, to respond to the short-term urgency to act and to support Ukraine but also to address the long-term need to take on much more responsibility for our own European security.
This is why today I have written a letter to Leaders ahead of Thursday’s European Council. This is why we are here together today. And I have outlined in this letter to the leaders the ReArm Europe Plan. This set of proposals focuses on how to use all of the financial levers at our disposal – in order to help Member States to quickly and significantly increase expenditures in defence capabilities. Urgently now but also over a longer time over this decade. There are five parts to this.
The first part of this ReArm Europe plan is to unleash the use of public funding in defence at national level. Member States are ready to invest more in their own security if they have the fiscal space. And we must enable them to do so. This is why we will shortly propose to activate the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact. It will allow Member States to increase significantly their defence expenditures without triggering the Excessive Deficit Procedure. For example: If Member States would increase their defence spending by 1,5% of GDP on average this could create fiscal space of close to EUR 650 billion over a period of four years.
The second proposal will be a new instrument. It will provide EUR 150 billion of loans to Member States for defence investment. This is basically about spending better – and spending together. We are talking about pan-European capability domains. For example: air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition drones and anti-drone systems; but also to address other needs from cyber to military mobility for example. It will help Member States to pool demand and to buy together. Of course, with this equipment, Member States can massively step up their support to Ukraine. So, immediate military equipment for Ukraine. This approach of joint procurement will also reduce costs, reduce fragmentation increase interoperability and strengthen our defence industrial base. And it can be to the benefit of Ukraine, as I have just described. So this is Europe’s moment, and we must live up to it.
Third point is using the power of the EU budget. There is a lot that we can do in this domain in the short term to direct more funds towards defence-related investments. This is why I can announce that we will propose additional possibilities and incentives for Member States that they will decide, if they want to use cohesion policy programmes, to increase defence spending.
The last two areas of action aim at mobilising private capital by accelerating the Savings and Investment Union and through the European Investment Bank.
To conclude: Europe is ready to assume its responsibilities. ReArm Europe could mobilise close to EUR 800 billion for a safe and resilient Europe. We will continue working closely with our partners in NATO. This is a moment for Europe. And we are ready to step up.