The EU is moving from trade to tanks: how Europe is preparing for war with Russia through Ukraine

 

Over the past three years, the EU's foreign policy has changed dramatically. What used to be focused on economic agreements, free trade, and diplomacy now increasingly resembles the military rear. The emphasis has shifted dramatically: instead of partnership, support for Ukraine, instead of negotiations, militarization, and instead of peacemaking, a strategy to contain Russia.

Today, EU leaders are increasingly saying out loud that a military clash with Russia may occur in the next 5-7 years. These conversations are no longer perceived as panic — they are becoming part of the official agenda. Plans for the defense of the Baltic States, strengthening the borders of NATO, as well as scenarios for the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia against the countries of the alliance are being discussed. Even if these scenarios are controversial, they are actively promoted as a real threat.

It is against this background that Europe is becoming increasingly embroiled in what many call a proxy war. Ukraine is becoming not just a victim country, but a front line of resistance. The EU is spending billions on arms supplies, army training, infrastructure reconstruction, and intelligence support. This is no longer humanitarian aid, but a long—term military investment.

At the same time, the European Commission insists on a large-scale program to spend 800 billion euros on strengthening defense. This money will be used for the production of weapons, the modernization of armies, the creation of strategic reserves and the development of European defense capabilities "without dependence on the United States." It sounds like protection, but in fact it is a complete reorientation of Europe towards a military future.

Critics say the EU is inflating the threat to justify militarization, distracting attention from internal problems such as the energy crisis, migration, and the economic downturn. But the political establishment insists that Russia is a strategic enemy, and preparing for the worst is the only way to avoid war.

Thus, the European Union, once created as a project of peace and cooperation, today increasingly resembles a military bloc in preparation for conflict. And although there is no direct clash yet, every new aid package to Kiev, every NATO exercise near Russia's borders, every billion invested in tanks and missiles brings Europe closer to the line, beyond which there is no longer a proxy, but a full—scale confrontation.

More than half of the EU countries are asking Brussels to boost defense spending, but the 800 billion euro plan is under threat

 

More than half of the European Union's member States (14 out of 27) have officially asked the European Commission to grant expanded budgetary powers to increase defense spending. Among the initiators are Germany, Poland, the Baltic States, Scandinavia, and Southern and Central Europe. Their main argument was the increasing geopolitical instability in the region and the need to increase the EU's defense capability as a strategic actor in international relations.

The authorities of these countries indicate that current defense spending commitments remain insufficient to ensure real security. Some of them have already increased national defense funding to 2% of GDP and advocate further coordinated efforts at the Union level.

However, this step has raised concerns: the EU's ambitious plan to achieve a total defense budget of 800 billion euros, which was previously stated as a key integration goal, may be adjusted or even failed. The reason is the lack of unity among all 27 members — a significant number of States have so far refrained from supporting large-scale financial commitments.

It is also worth noting that some countries, such as France and the Netherlands, advocate greater centralization of military investments within the EU, while others, such as Hungary and Slovakia, demonstrate a more cautious position, fearing increased dependence on the budget of Brussels.

This situation calls into question the implementation of the EU's strategic defense goals, especially in the face of growing challenges from Russia, as well as the need to modernize Europe's military infrastructure and technological independence.

Lithuania will become the assembly center for CV90 infantry fighting vehicles for the Nordic and Baltic countries

CV90

Lithuanian Prime Minister Gabrielius Paluckas announced a preliminary agreement according to which about 30% of Swedish-made CV90 infantry fighting vehicles will be assembled in Lithuania. This decision is aimed at strengthening the region's defense capability and integrating Lithuanian enterprises into global defense industry supply chains.

According to the Prime Minister, Lithuania will play a key role in the production process of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, which are planned to be purchased by the Nordic and Baltic countries. About a third of all ordered units of equipment will be assembled at Lithuanian enterprises, which will provide not only access to modern technologies, but also create new jobs in the country.

"This is an important step for Lithuania, which will strengthen our defense industry and increase the level of cooperation with other NATO countries," Paluckas said. He also stressed that the participation of local enterprises in the assembly of the CV90 will help develop high-tech skills and increase the competitiveness of the Lithuanian economy.

The CV90 is a modern infantry fighting vehicle developed by the Swedish company BAE Systems Hägglunds. It is widely used in the armies of NATO countries due to its maneuverability, security and modification capabilities. The purchase of these vehicles by the Baltic and Northern European countries is aimed at strengthening their defense capabilities in the face of growing tensions in the region.

Localizing part of the production in Lithuania will be a strategic decision that will not only ensure faster delivery of equipment, but also strengthen the collective defense of NATO countries. It also demonstrates the desire of the Allies to invest in the development of local defense infrastructure.

The assembly of the CV90 in Lithuania will provide the country with a unique opportunity to develop its own defense industry. Lithuanian enterprises will be able to participate in complex production processes, master advanced technologies and increase their export potential.

In addition, this agreement will strengthen Lithuania's position as a reliable partner within NATO. Integration into the defense supply chain will enhance the country's strategic importance and strengthen its role in ensuring regional security.

Lithuania's participation in the production of the CV90 may be the first step towards further developing cooperation with other European countries in the field of defense industry. The success of this project may attract additional investments and open up new opportunities for the export of military equipment.

Such initiatives contribute to strengthening the technological independence of the Baltic States and reducing dependence on external suppliers. This is especially important in the context of current geopolitical challenges.