Tue Mar 11 16:15:18 UTC 2025: ## EU to Boost Defence Spending Amidst Russian Aggression and US Uncertainty
**Strasbourg, France –** European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for a significant increase in European defence spending, citing Russia’s aggression and waning US support for the continent’s security. Speaking to the European Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, von der Leyen declared the era of relying solely on the US for protection is over.
The EU is aiming to mobilize up to €800 billion ($860 billion) to bolster its defence capabilities. This plan includes €150 billion in EU-backed loans for member states, along with relaxed fiscal rules to facilitate increased defence spending. Von der Leyen emphasized that these loans should prioritize purchases from European producers to strengthen the continent’s defence industry, through multi-annual contracts promoting joint procurement. The inclusion of non-EU producers remains unclear.
This push for increased defence spending comes as US President Donald Trump questions the US’s continued central role in NATO and seeks rapprochement with Russia. This has raised concerns that Ukraine could be forced into an unfavourable peace deal. Von der Leyen stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted and must be deterred, noting that Russia’s military spending exceeds that of all of Europe combined.
The commission’s plan also allows member states to redirect cohesion funds and lifts restrictions on defence investments by the European Investment Bank. Further discussions on boosting military might are scheduled for a Brussels summit next week, preceded by a commission white paper outlining additional financing options. While some lawmakers advocated for ambitious EU-wide joint borrowing, similar to the approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission has yet to endorse this measure.
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