Dangerous Times: EU Strikes Back
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, sent a clear message: Europe must arm itself. The plan ReArm Europepresented two days before the extraordinary defence summit, aims to strengthen EU security with a colossal budget of EUR 800 billion. "European security is threatened, we live in dangerous times," said von der Leyen, emphasising the need for a rapid and coordinated reaction.
ReArm Europe: 5 pillars for Defence and Security
The plan ReArm Europe is based on five fundamental pillars:
- Increased defence spending with the possibility for Member States to exceed the deficit ceiling.
- EUR 150 billion of European loans earmarked for military investments.
- Greater budgetary flexibility to enable states to allocate Cohesion Policy funds to defence.
- Involvement of private capital to accelerate the development of the European arms industry.
- Mobilisation of the European Investment Bank to support EU rearmament.
"If member states increased military spending by 1.5% of GDP, we could generate a fiscal space of about EUR 650 billion in four years,' she said.
The Countdown to 2027: War in Sight?
According to Russian analysts, the risk of a conflict between Russia and Europe could materialise in the Black Sea in 2027. Putin continues his offensive, while the US will reduce the military presence in Europe by 20,000 soldiers. The arms race has already begun: by 2027, the EU will have to be ready for a full-scale war.
Forecasts indicate that in the event of a total blockade of Western military supplies, Ukraine could only hold out for six months. However, the US shifted the responsibility of support to Europe, continuing to sell weapons but leaving the management of the conflict to the European allies.
Macron Warns: Romania and Moldova at Risk
Russian offensives increasingly focus on the Black Sea portswith targeted attacks on Ukraine's strategic infrastructure. The French President Emmanuel Macron raised the alarm about Romania and Moldova, which could be the next targets of Russian expansion. Moscow accuses Kiev of attacking energy infrastructure and strategic points, while the Kremlin intensifies monitoring operations with drones and advanced surveillance systems.
Towards an Autonomous European Defence
The German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz declared that Europe must be ready to defend itself without US support. NATO is heavily dependent on US intelligence, but the possible disconnection of Ukraine from western satellite systems, as Elon Musk's Starlinkcould have devastating consequences.
