BRUSSELS — European Union officials expressed concerns on Wednesday that they cannot depend on the United States for their defense and must enhance military spending and preparedness to support Ukraine and dissuade Russia from further aggression towards neighboring countries.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who currently holds the EU presidency, urged his fellow EU leaders to take charge of their own security. He emphasized the need for Europe to confront its vulnerabilities, echoing the famous words of President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not of America what it can do for our security. Ask yourselves what we can do for our own security.” Tusk remarked, “If Europe is to survive, it must be armed.”
There are heightened concerns that U.S. President Trump may pursue negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to hastily end the conflict in ways that could be detrimental to Ukraine, or that he might again neglect to defend European allies who fail to enhance their military budgets. Tusk called on the assembly in Strasbourg, France, to have faith in their own capabilities: “We need to believe again in our power. We are strong, we are equal to the greatest powers in the world. The only thing we have to do is believe in it.”
Tusk highlighted that Poland is allocating nearly 5% of its GDP towards defense, surpassing any NATO ally, including the United States. He urged his fellow European countries to reach that level, at least until Russia diminishes its military threats. He stated, “It is today that we need to radically increase our defense spending (but) not forever and ever.”
Meanwhile, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas outlined the potential threats posed by Russia, detailing various acts of sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation efforts, and electronic targeting challenges attributed to Moscow. “Many of our national intelligence agencies are giving us the information that Russia could test the EU’s readiness to defend itself in 3 to 5 years,” she noted at a European Defense Agency meeting, emphasizing the importance of heeding this advice.
Kallas remarked on Russia’s robust military manufacturing capabilities, asserting that they can produce more weapons and ammunition in a matter of months than the EU can in a year. She characterized Russia as “a heavily militarized country that presents an existential threat to us all,” stressing the urgency of reinforcing defense efforts. “The Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom, and ours. They are all buying us time,” she emphasized.
She highlighted that EU members, on average, dedicate roughly 1.9% of their GDP to military budgeting, while Russia spends significantly more at 9%. With 23 EU countries also being NATO members, there is an expectation that these nations invest at least 2% of their GDP in defense. Kallas articulated that the EU’s neglect of military capability not only leaves it exposed but also signals weakness to potential aggressors.
While acknowledging the United States as a key ally, Kallas affirmed that Europe must take decisive action to boost its own military posture. In a notable upcoming event, EU leaders are expected to gather for an informal discussion outside Brussels on February 3, exclusively focused on security and defense issues. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is anticipated to participate in these talks.
