Without the US: The European Union is changing its defense strategy - Media.

The European Union has strengthened its military spending

The European Union has decided to increase its military spending and exclude American arms manufacturers from the new program. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the necessity of acquiring more European weapons to strengthen its own defense and industry. The plan involves expenditures of 800 billion euros and the inclusion of ally countries such as South Korea, Japan, and EFTA countries. Moreover, the EU has proposed loans of up to 150 billion euros for member states and friendly countries for defense needs. Countries such as Ukraine and Norway may also participate in joint arms procurement.

The plans also foresee a ban on foreign countries' access to classified information and the establishment of a minimum threshold for the use of European components of 65% in financial projects. EU countries will be able to bypass budget restrictions and exceed government spending caps for defense needs. The deadline for loan applications is June 30, 2027, and the loan commission will manage the repayment of these funds over 45 years.