European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius called on EU countries to maintain high defense spending in the bloc's next long-term budget, warning that cuts could hinder military development and space infrastructure. His remarks precede a meeting of EU leaders to discuss the 2028-2034 budget, where a German-led group is pushing for significant reductions.
The EU's ability to bolster its defense capabilities and achieve greater strategic autonomy hinges on its long-term budget, with proposed cuts threatening to undermine joint military projects and industrial development.
European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has called on EU member states to safeguard defense spending within the bloc's upcoming long-term budget, warning that reductions could impede the EU's military capabilities and space infrastructure development. His appeal comes ahead of a meeting where EU leaders will deliberate on the budget for the period of 2028 to 2034.
Discussions around the budget have been contentious, with a German-led group of countries advocating for significant cuts. Over the weekend, the Council of the EU, under its Irish presidency, put forward a proposal to reduce the European Commission's initial budget plan by approximately 8%. These proposed reductions are largely expected to impact EU-wide priorities such as competitiveness, defense, and foreign aid.
Kubilius emphasized that EU funding is crucial for encouraging member states to engage in joint procurement and development initiatives. He lamented that defense spending remains too nationally focused and the defense industry too fragmented, stating that a lack of EU financial incentives would prevent necessary improvements in European defense development and de-fragmentation.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.