Reports on EU defense budgets and investment allocations

Macron and EU Leaders Urge Europe to Boost Defense Spending as Trump Returns, Warn of Russia Threat

Jan 22, 2025, 12:22 PM

Following President Donald Trump's return to the White House, French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to "wake up" and increase defense spending to reduce its reliance on the United States for security. In a speech to the French military, Macron urged investment in "home-grown defense systems," emphasizing that Europe must "reduce its dependence on the US." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed Macron's calls, agreeing that "Trump is right that the EU doesn't spend enough on defense." Kallas highlighted the "existential threat from Russia" and urged Europe to "prepare for war," even suggesting that defense spending should be increased at the expense of cutting education and healthcare budgets. She noted that the EU spent an average of just 1.9% of GDP on defense last year and that it must "spend more than 1% of GDP to prepare for the worst." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also urged Europe to "arm itself to survive," stating that "the time for comfort is over." The unified stance among European leaders underscores a heightened focus on strengthening Europe's defense capabilities amidst rising tensions with Russia and shifting global dynamics.