EU to Increase Defense Investments Fivefold: Details of the New Strategy.

According to FREEДOM:

Strengthening Ukraine's Defense Position

On August 30, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Europe's efforts to focus on strengthening both its own defense and Ukraine's defense during her visit to Estonia, reports FREEДOM.

Meeting with the Estonian Prime Minister

Von der Leyen met with Estonian Prime Minister Kristjen Michal and representatives of the country's defense forces and NATO. She noted that investments in defense by EU countries would significantly increase.

'The first is undoubtedly our own European defense position. In October, at an informal European Council meeting in Denmark, we will present a roadmap 'Readiness 2030', in which we will analyze existing gaps and ways to address them. The second parallel path is, of course, strengthening Ukraine's defense position. And the third element is long-term, our new modern European budget, which the Commission has just proposed. Here we pay special attention to defense. We are increasing defense investments fivefold and military mobility tenfold,' said the President of the European Commission.

Pressure on Russia

Estonian Prime Minister Kristjen Michal urged EU countries to increase pressure on Russia by implementing stricter sanctions and increasing military support for Ukraine.

'We have no illusions. Russia can only be stopped by force, by uniting our powers. They perceive kindness as weakness. They take advantage of it. And the sanctions, which, they say, do not work, they do not like! Probably, that’s the first point. And the second is unity, as well as transatlantic ties and a reasonably functioning Europe. I would say that Europe has become stronger than it was six months or a year ago,' said Estonian Prime Minister Kristjen Michal.

Ongoing Threat from Russia

It should be noted that European countries must recognize that Russia is a long-term threat and act accordingly. This was stated on August 30 during a meeting of the European Union Council on Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen by Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

Addressing threats from Russia and supporting Ukraine are becoming increasingly pressing issues for Europe. The strategic approach, developed with an enhanced roadmap and a new budget, aims not only at the defense of EU countries but also at ensuring stability in the region. The unity of European countries may become the key to success in this matter.