In an effort to adjust to the new strategic reality, the EU is trying to make it easier for member-states to strengthen Europe’s defences. Success or failure depends on them. Europe is navigating an era of turbulence. America’s diminished interest in Europe’s security has sharpened the threat from Russia, and made clear to Europeans the urgency of strengthening long-neglected defences. The EU is trying to facilitate that process: on March 19th the Commission released a White Paper for European Defence, together with detailed proposals to implement the ReArm Europe plan that had been announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen two weeks earlier. The Commission’s objective is to boost Europe’s defence spending by up to €800 billion.
Author: Luigi Scazzieri, Assistant director, Centre for European Reform.
This article is available on the CER website.
