The European Union is taking decisive steps to bolster its security and reduce dependence on military equipment supplies from outside the continent. The European Commission has unveiled the ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan and a defense white paper outlining the priorities for rearming the continent. MEPs emphasize that the EU must act independently and cannot rely solely on decisions made by the United States and NATO.
“The European Union cannot be at the mercy of the United States and Donald Trump. Of course, alliances are very important and should be strong, lasting, and unwavering, but we must have the tools to defend and protect EU citizens. In Eastern Poland, where I come from, we feel the burden of the war in Ukraine most acutely, as well as the hybrid war at the Polish-Belarusian border,” said Marta Wcisło, MEP from the Civic Platform, in an interview with Newseria. “That is why projects like the Eastern Shield are crucial and highly necessary. This is the largest defense and deterrence project designed to protect 500 million EU citizens.”
Although NATO remains the cornerstone of European security, EU politicians stress that the bloc should possess its own defense capabilities. The new EU strategy includes the development of joint air defense systems and an increase in joint European military exercises. Additionally, the EU plans to establish a special fund for the development of innovative military technologies, enhancing the competitiveness of the European defense sector. The European Commission has presented a plan to strengthen the European defense industry while maintaining spending flexibility and reducing regulatory constraints.
“In light of uncertainties surrounding the change in U.S. administration, we, as Europeans, must think about long-term security. While NATO provides a security framework, we must also ensure that the European security umbrella is sufficiently effective,” said Andrzej Halicki, an MEP from the Civic Platform.
In mid-March, the European Parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution (419 to 204) to strengthen EU defense, emphasizing the need to increase spending on the defense industry and develop strategic defense mechanisms. The document states that “Russia—supported by its allies Belarus, China, North Korea, and Iran—is currently the most significant direct and indirect threat to the EU,” posing the greatest military risk to Europe’s territorial integrity since the Cold War.
“This is a crucial first step towards building an active security policy for the European Community. Significant funds that may be mobilized in the coming weeks form the foundation of this policy,” Halicki said. “Revitalizing the European defense industry is critical, as most arms and ammunition purchases are currently external—mainly from the U.S. and Asia. In some countries, this percentage is even higher. We must rely on our own resources, but to do so, we need better organization.”
Under the EU’s new defense strategy, increasing investment in European arms production is a priority. Currently, approximately 65% of arms and ammunition purchases by EU member states come from outside Europe, primarily from the U.S. Therefore, the European Parliament’s March resolution calls for additional funds to develop the European defense industry and implement joint weapons procurement systems to reduce dependence on external suppliers. These measures are also included in the European Commission’s action plan.
The EU is also committed to actively participating in the peace process, emphasizing that future negotiations with Russia must take into account both Ukraine’s interests and regional stability. Accordingly, the EU continues to prioritize financial and military support for Kyiv.
“A peace agreement cannot be concluded over the heads of Ukrainians or without European involvement. This war is happening on our continent, so it is obvious that the key decision will belong to both Ukrainians and Europeans,” said an MEP from the Civic Platform.
Since Russia launched its military aggression, the EU and its member states have provided nearly €135 billion in support to Ukraine, including €48.7 billion for its armed forces. The EU has also imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia, with the latest package, adopted on February 24, targeting key areas of the Russian economy, including banking, its shadow fleet, and the industrial and energy sectors.
“The EU is taking on the collective burden of supporting Ukraine, which is fighting for all of Europe. This is crucial for both Poland and Europe as a whole,” emphasized Marta Wcisło.
MEPs highlighted in their resolution that decision-making regarding European defense should be less complex. They supported the creation of a Council of Defense Ministers and a transition from unanimity to qualified majority voting on EU defense decisions, except for military operations with an executive mandate.
“Just as the EU united in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we now face new challenges—the defense and protection of EU citizens and the entire Community. We know that unanimity is not always achievable, but that does not mean that countries declaring neutrality today will remain safe. Long-range missiles have vast reach, and we must ensure equal protection for all. We must unanimously advocate and act for security. Europe cannot thrive without security, competitiveness, or self-sufficiency, including food and energy security. Some priority parameters must change,” the MEP concluded.
