EU aims to reduce defense reliance on US

The European Union (EU) is taking steps to reduce its reliance on the United States for defense. On Wednesday, the EU announced its “Readiness 2030” security strategy, aimed at increasing the purchase of military equipment from European suppliers. The initiative comes in response to the threat of Russian aggression. NATO has warned that Russia may be capable of attacking Europe in the next few years. The new strategy will encourage EU member countries to prioritize buying defense equipment from within Europe, with help from the EU to lower costs and speed up orders. Purchases from outside the EU should only occur if they offer better value or faster delivery. Currently, about two-thirds of defense orders from the 27 EU nations go to American companies. Under the new plan, nations must buy at least 65% of their military equipment from EU, Norwegian, or Ukrainian sources to qualify for new loans. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need to strengthen the European defense industry and promote innovation. This strategy follows recent comments from the U.S. government, indicating that its security focus is shifting away from Europe. The EU has already reduced its dependence on Russian gas significantly, and leaders hope to replicate that success with defense spending. At an upcoming summit, EU leaders will discuss these proposals, which include a 150-billion-euro ($164 billion) loan plan for defense projects. However, countries like Poland and the Netherlands still prefer to buy U.S. equipment. The EU also aims to strengthen ties with non-EU NATO allies. The new defense commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, stated that the 450 million people in the EU should not rely solely on the 340 million Americans for defense. He stressed the need for Europe to improve its own security capabilities. Planned spending will focus on air defense, artillery, drones, and support for Ukraine’s military during its ongoing conflict with Russia.