Key facts
- EU defense chief Andrius Kubilius is exploring an initiative for joint funding of military capabilities.
- The goal is to reduce reliance on U.S. strategic enablers like air-to-air refueling and command systems.
- Interested EU countries could voluntarily contribute to developing these capabilities.
- The estimated cost to replace U.S. enablers is around €500 billion.
- The U.S. recently signaled it would no longer provide certain military assets to NATO.
- Experts estimate the cost of replacing U.S. capabilities could range from €200 billion to $1 trillion.
BRUSSELS — The European Union is considering a new initiative to jointly fund and develop critical military capabilities, aiming to lessen its dependence on the United States. Andrius Kubilius, the EU's defense chief, is reportedly exploring a scheme where interested member states would contribute a portion of their increased defense budgets to develop assets like air-to-air refueling systems and command and control platforms.
The U.S. currently supplies most of NATO's so-called strategic enablers, but recent actions, including a list of assets the U.S. no longer wishes to provide, have heightened concerns about American commitment, particularly under President Donald Trump. Kubilius has proposed that EU countries dedicate national defense funds to replace these U.S. resources, estimating the total cost at approximately €500 billion.
This idea was discussed with a group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who advocate for closer EU defense integration. The initiative is in its early stages, and its final form remains uncertain. Experts warn that without immediate action, Europe could remain reliant on American systems into the mid-2030s.
Developing these joint capabilities presents significant financial challenges, with estimates for replacing U.S. non-nuclear military assets ranging from a minimum of €200 billion over a decade to as much as $1 trillion. Obstacles include national governments' reluctance to cede procurement control to Brussels and the need to rapidly develop and build equipment to deter potential adversaries.