Ireland continues to lag behind its European Union counterparts in defense spending, according to new figures released by the European Defense Agency (EDA). The country allocates a mere 0.2% of its GDP to defense,placing it at the bottom of the EU table.
This figure is substantially lower than neutral countries like Malta (0.4%) and Austria (0.9%). In fact, Ireland’s defense spending is only an eighth of the EU average, which stands at 1.6%.
The EDA’s 2023-2024 Defence Data report highlights a “sharp increase” in total defense expenditure across the EU, with an average rise of 10% among the 27 member states. this surge is attributed to the “drastic deterioration of Europe’s security situation” in recent years, prompting member states to reassess their defense priorities and investments.
While several countries, including Denmark (2%), Finland (2.1%),Lithuania (2.8%), latvia (2.9%), and Estonia (3%), have significantly increased their defense budgets, Ireland’s commitment remains comparatively low.
Poland leads the EU in defense spending, allocating 3.3% of its GDP to its military.
Edward Burke,assistant professor in the History of War since 1945 at University College Dublin,expressed concern over Ireland’s lagging defense spending. “Instead of keeping pace with our relative share of European defense spending — already perilously low — Ireland risks falling further behind,” he stated.
“this comes at a time when Ireland is facing increasingly sophisticated threats, especially in the maritime and cyber domains, but also when other EU member states expect Ireland, as one of the continent’s wealthiest countries with a reputation for innovation, research and development, to bring 21st-century capabilities to augment EU defense capabilities.”
“The problem now is that, even if a future government exponentially increases defense spending, there are a glut of global orders for military equipment and Ireland may be a long way at the back of the queue for future deliveries.”
The Irish government has opted to implement the second of three investment options outlined by the Commission on Defence Forces in 2022. this plan will see the defense budget increase from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion by 2028.
Though, a detailed analysis by the Oireachtas Parliamentary Budget Office, as reported by the Irish Examiner, found that while defense spending has increased, it has risen at a slower rate than other areas of government expenditure.
The analysis suggests that if Ireland’s defense spend had kept pace with its overall government expenditure as 2012, the 2024 budget shoudl be €1.55 billion, rather than the current €1.25 billion.
This disparity raises concerns about Ireland’s ability to effectively contribute to European security and its preparedness to address emerging threats in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Ireland’s defense spending remains the lowest in the European Union, despite a recent budget increase, raising questions about the nation’s security posture in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Conor King,general secretary of the Representative Association of Commissioned officers (raco),highlighted Ireland’s outlier status in defense funding,referencing the 2022 Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. “Since then, the defense budget has gradually increased year on year to the current modest figure of €1.35bn, but Ireland still spends, and appears set to continue to spend, the lowest amount on defense in the entire European Union,” King stated. “what do we know that others don’t?”
Professor Raymond Murphy of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at Galway University emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving Level of Ambition 2, as outlined in the commission on Defence Forces implementation plan. This level aims to enhance Ireland’s capabilities to address threats to sovereignty and participate in higher-intensity peacekeeping operations.
“This should be the priority for the coming years and we should not succumb to any external pressure to spend more just because other EU states are committing to so,” Professor Murphy asserted. He further argued that the global surge in defense spending hasn’t necessarily led to a more secure world, suggesting that resources could be better allocated to conflict prevention, climate action, and humanitarian aid.
The department of Defence defended the budget increase, stating that the commitment to reach €1.5bn by 2028 represents the largest increase in defense funding in irish history. Budget 2025 allocated a record €1.35bn, a €100m increase from the previous year. This allocation includes the highest-ever capital funding at €215m.
The Department highlighted that the funding will support the recruitment of 400 additional Defence Forces personnel and facilitate progress on key defense projects, including military radar, subsea awareness, force protection equipment, and Defence Forces infrastructure. The budget also allows the Air Corps to acquire a new Airbus C295W transport aircraft.
## Ireland’s Modest Defense Spending: An Interview with Dr. Edward Burke
**world-Today-News.com:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Edward Burke. As you know, Ireland is facing some scrutiny regarding its defense spending, particularly in light of recent figures released by the European Defense agency. What are your thoughts on Ireland’s current position?
**Dr. edward Burke:** Ireland’s defense spending represents a significant cause for concern. At a mere 0.2% of GDP, we are lagging dramatically behind our European counterparts, even falling short of traditionally neutral countries like Malta adn Austria.
**World-Today-News.com:** The EDA’s 2023-2024 report highlights a sharp increase in defense expenditure across the EU, driven by heightened security concerns. What are the implications for Ireland’s low spending in this context?
**Dr. Edward Burke:** It means we risk falling further behind. While other EU members are bolstering their defense capabilities, Ireland is not keeping pace.This is particularly worrying given the evolving threat landscape – from cybersecurity to maritime security – which demands robust and modern capabilities.
**World-Today-News.com:** The government recently announced an increase in the defense budget, albeit a gradual one. Is this sufficient to address these concerns?
**Dr. Edward Burke:** While the increase is welcome, it’s falling short of what’s needed. Oireachtas analysis suggests that if our defense spending had kept pace with overall government expenditure, our 2024 budget should be considerably higher.We’re lagging behind,and catching up will be difficult,especially given global demand for military equipment. Delays in procurement can leave us vulnerable to future threats.
**World-Today-News.com:** What message does this send to our European allies, particularly in light of their own increased commitments to defense?
**Dr. Edward Burke:** Ireland has a reputation for innovation and technological advancement. The EU expects us to contribute 21st-century capabilities to its defense framework. Our current spending levels do not reflect this potential.
**World-Today-News.com:** Looking ahead, what steps should Ireland take to ensure its defense posture is adequate for the challenges of the 21st century
**Dr. Edward Burke:** We need a serious commitment to defense spending. This means going beyond incremental increases and adopting a long-term strategic plan to modernize our forces, invest in critical technologies, and ensure we have the capability to contribute meaningfully to European security.
**World-Today-News.com:** Dr. Burke, thank you for your insights into this crucial issue.
