EU Must Boost Defense Spending to Counter Threats, Warns Foreign Policy Chief
The European Union’s member states must considerably increase their defence spending to address the growing threats facing the continent, according to Kaja Kallas, the bloc’s foreign policy chief.In a recent interview with the BBC World Service’s Weekend program, Kallas emphasized that ”every euro spent on school, healthcare and welfare [was] vulnerable” if the EU fails to strengthen its defences.
Kallas, who served as Estonia’s prime minister until July 2024, pointed out that Europe’s average defence spending of 1.9% of GDP pales in comparison to Russia’s 9%. “To prevent the war, we need to spend more, that is clear,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
She also acknowledged former US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Europe’s defence expenditure, calling it justified. During his presidency, Trump repeatedly urged NATO members to increase their spending, even suggesting a target of 4% of GDP. Recently, he pushed for European nations to allocate 5% of their GDP to defence, asserting, “They can all afford it.”
A Call for Unity and Economic Pressure
Kallas stressed the importance of EU member states working together to “pressure” Russia economically. She hinted at a new sanctions package to mark the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for creativity in limiting Russia’s “ability to wage this war.” ”Pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin is the way to end this war as Putin is the one who started it,” she said.Her stance on defence spending is not new. As Estonia’s first female prime minister, Kallas consistently advocated for higher defence budgets. In February 2024, she called for NATO countries to increase their spending to 3% of GDP. According to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Kallas also highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine directly. As estonian prime minister,she pledged more than 1% of the country’s GDP to Kyiv,stating,”If every NATO country did this,Ukraine would win.”
When asked if she believed the war would end in Ukraine’s favour, Kallas responded with unwavering confidence. “I don’t see any other option really. I meen, if we let the brutal aggression flourish, then we will see this in other parts of the world,” she said. She warned that “all the aggressors or would-be aggressors in the world are clearly taking notes how we react to Russia’s aggression.”
Key Defence Spending Comparisons
| Country/Region | Defence Spending (% of GDP) |
|—————-|—————————–|
| Russia | 9% |
| EU Average | 1.9% |
| Estonia | 3% (Second highest in NATO)|
| NATO Target | 2% (Proposed increase to 3%)|
the EU’s ability to safeguard its future hinges on its willingness to invest in defence. As Kallas aptly put it, “To prevent the war, we need to spend more.” the time for action is now.
