With the United States focusing more on the Indo-Pacific, European nations have been increasing defence spending to ensure their security. However, discrepancies remain, as not all EU member states are equally committed to ramping up military budgets—especially those further from Russia’s borders.
ALSO READ: Donald Trump denies Elon Musk to be briefed on top-secret plan for potential war with ChinaFollowing a summit of EU leaders on defence readiness, Tusk acknowledged that the proposed five-year deadline had met resistance from countries spending less on their militaries.
“Behind the scenes… it stirred some emotions. Especially in countries that spend little on defence now. There are several large countries that still spend very little. And they don’t want to spend more. For now,” Tusk said at a press conference.
Defence spending disparities in the EU
NATO member states such as Spain and Italy remain below the alliance’s 2% GDP defence spending target. In 2024, Spain allocated 1.28% of GDP to defence, while Italy spent 1.49%. Other countries, including Slovenia, Belgium, and Portugal, also allocated between 1.29% and 1.55%. Italy has set a goal of reaching 1.6% by 2027, while Spain aims to hit the 2% mark before 2029.
Five-year deadline aligns with NATO analysis
Tusk stressed the importance of urgency, pointing out that Denmark and Sweden shared Poland’s stance on accelerating military readiness.
“Our position, shared with Denmark and Sweden, was that the more Russia has the advantage today, the more we have to hurry. We finally accepted, as the European Council, this commitment that by 2030 Europe must obtain full defence capabilities,” he said. “By 2030 Europe must be, in terms of army, weapons, technology, clearly stronger than Russia. And it will be.”
He noted that the timeline aligns with NATO chief Mark Rutte’s assessment that Russia could rebuild its offensive capabilities within five years, following heavy losses in Ukraine.
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A message of deterrence to Russia
While Tusk clarified that Europe does not anticipate a Russian attack in 2030, he underscored the need for deterrence.
“It is key that Europe be really capable to defend itself and deter Putin,” he said. “Or, it is less about defending and more about showing through facts, decisions, that Putin’s Russia does not stand a chance against Europe that is united and well-armed. It is the only effective method to avoid a war.”
With inputs from Reuters
