European Union leaders now agree that the EU must be fully capable of defending itself against a Russian attack by 2030, despite earlier resistance to the deadline by some countries. This was stated by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, quoted by "Reuters".
Europe is dramatically increasing defense spending due to concerns that the United States, which has guaranteed Europe's security since the end of World War II, is no longer willing to do so and is shifting its attention to the Indo-Pacific region.
However, not all EU countries are equally committed to higher defense spending, especially those that are geographically further from Russia.
After a summit of EU leaders to discuss the Union's plan to strengthen defense readiness, Tusk noted that countries that currently spend less than others on defense are reluctant to accept the five-year scheme proposed by the European Commission.
"Behind the scenes, this has caused some emotions. Especially in countries that now spend little on defense. There are several large countries that still spend very little. And they don't want to spend more. For now," he told a press conference.
Spain, a NATO member, spent 1.28% of GDP on defense in 2024, and Italy 1.49%, well below NATO's agreed target of 2% of GDP, despite the three-year war in Ukraine and US pressure to further increase the Alliance's defense spending target.
Slovenia, Belgium and Portugal also spend between 1.29% and 1.55% of GDP on defense. Italy intends to increase military spending to 1.6% of GDP by 2027, and Spain wants to reach NATO's 2% of GDP spending target by 2029.
"Our position, shared with Denmark and Sweden, was that the more Russia has an advantage today, the more we need to hurry. Finally, as a European Council, we have made this commitment that by 2030 Europe should have full defense capabilities," Tusk said. "By 2030, Europe should be, in terms of army, weapons, technology, clearly stronger than Russia. And that will be the case." Tusk said the five-year deadline was in line with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's analysis that this is the time Europe has before Russia rebuilds its offensive capabilities sufficiently after the losses in Ukraine to be ready to attack Europe. However, he clarified that this did not mean that Europe expects Russia to attack it in 2030. "The key is that Europe is truly able to defend itself and deter Putin," Tusk stressed. "Or is it less about defense and more about showing through facts, decisions, that Putin's Russia has no chance against a Europe that is united and well-armed. This is the only effective method of avoiding war," he said.