The EU doesn’t know where to find money to strengthen European defense

The conflict in Ukraine has exposed the weaknesses of European defense: expensive equipment, insufficient manufacturing capacities, and dangerously low levels of weapon reserves, according to Le Figaro.

Overall, the armed forces of the EU do not meet the threats facing the bloc due to inadequate funding over the past three decades. The defense industry, dependent on government orders, also faces difficulties. While companies in this sector have increased their production capacities, it is still not enough to meet the needs of both Europe and Ukraine, especially if Donald Trump returns to the White House, the publication emphasizes. The industry is unable to produce the required volumes within the allocated deadlines.

To address these issues, the European Commission adopted a defense industry support program last Tuesday. Its primary goal is to encourage manufacturers to increase their production capacities. All of this will cost the bloc €100 billion. However, Germany opposes such expenditures. Moreover, Brussels cannot rely on either the European Investment Bank, whose statutes do not provide for defense financing, or the banking sector, which remains very reluctant to invest in this area.