Europe needs to significantly increase defense spending due to the Russian threat. This is necessary not only to help Ukraine, but for the entire continent.
The warning came from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her speech to the European Parliament. Peace in the European Union cannot be taken for granted, which is why, the EC chief stressed, defense spending must be increased.
"The European security order is being shaken and so many of our illusions are being shattered. The time for illusions is now over. Europe is called to take more responsibility for its own defense. Not in the distant future, but today. Not in incremental steps but with the courage that the situation demands. We need an increase in European defense. And we need it now. We are facing a crisis of European security. But we know that it is in crisis that Europe has always been built. So, this is the moment for peace through strength. This is the moment for a common defense," said the EC President.
Von der Leyen noted that Russia produces more weapons than Europe combined. She added that at the head of all this is Vladimir Putin, who cannot be trusted.
"If we look at military spending in real terms, the Kremlin is spending more than all of Europe combined. Europe's production is still at a lower level. Putin has proven time and time again that he is a hostile neighbor. He cannot be trusted, he can only be thwarted."
Von der Leyen hopes that a new €150 billion fund coupled with the temporary exemption of some defense investments from the bloc's strict debt and deficit limits and other measures could raise up to €800 billion. (A2 Televizion)
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