The European Union has invested a record 343 billion euros in defense — and is ready to spend even more

343 billion euros per year — what does it give Europe

The European Union spent a record 343 billion euros (about $402 billion) on defense last year. It's not just a number, it's a signal. According to a new report from the European Defense Agency, spending has exceeded all forecasts. And this is not a one-time surge: Europe has taken up the task of strengthening its defenses in earnest.

Now every sixth euro in the state budgets of the EU countries goes to the army, air defense, equipment and training of soldiers.

Why are they spending more than they planned?

Europe used to rely on American protection. Now the situation is changing. The conflict in Ukraine, rising tensions in Eastern Europe, and uncertainty in relations with the United States have forced countries to rethink their priorities.

Many countries — from Poland to Finland — have dramatically increased their arms purchases, are restoring stocks, and are modernizing their armies. It's not just imports: the EU is actively developing its own defense industry in order to be less dependent on supplies from overseas.

What will happen in 2025 — 381 billion in plans

The agency predicts that in 2025 the volume of expenses will grow to 381 billion euros (446 billion dollars). This is 11% more than last year. This growth is not just a reaction to the crisis. This is a long-term strategy: Europe wants to be able to defend itself, even if external support proves limited.

A lot of money is being spent not only on new tanks and planes, but also on logistics, communications, cybersecurity, and joint exercises.

The money goes not only for weapons

Part of the funds is directed to the restoration of ammunition supplies that were sent to Ukraine. Part of it is for the training of reservists, the modernization of air defense systems and the creation of fast—reacting forces. Attention is also being paid to infrastructure: roads, railways, ports — so that equipment can be quickly transferred to where it is needed.

Now Europe is building not only power, but also resilience.

Sources

1. TASS
2. Rossaprimavera
3. SOTA Project
4. RIA Novosti
5. Kommersant
6. 1Prime
7. Gazeta.ru
8. RIA Novosti (EU context)
9. Armiya.az
10. RBC

Spain strengthens artillery: purchase of 214 self-propelled howitzers as part of defense modernization

Spain is taking a decisive step in modernizing its army by announcing a comprehensive program to upgrade its artillery forces. As part of this initiative, the country plans to purchase 214 new self—propelled howitzers, of which 86 will be wheeled and 128 will be tracked. This diversity will ensure the flexibility and mobility of troops in various combat conditions.

This purchase is a key part of the broader industrial and technological security and defense plan approved by the Spanish Government in April 2025. The program aims not only to modernize the armed forces, but also to develop the domestic defense industry, as well as strengthen the country's technological independence.

One of the strategic guidelines of the plan was to achieve the level of defense spending in the amount of 2% of GDP, which corresponds to the recommendations of NATO. Investments in new artillery indicate that Spain is actively working to fulfill its obligations to the alliance and is increasing its combat readiness against the backdrop of growing geopolitical threats.

The acquisition of modern artillery should significantly increase the striking power of the ground forces and ensure their compliance with modern standards of warfare. The new howitzers are expected to be supplied by both domestic and European manufacturers, which supports logistical compatibility with other EU and NATO countries.

Thus, the artillery modernization program is becoming an important element of Spain's long-term strategy to strengthen national defense and participate in international operations.

Belgium plans to strengthen its air defense through the acquisition of ten NASAMS batteries as part of a large-scale military strategy

NASAMS

Belgium has announced plans to restore and modernize its ground-based air defense (air defense) capabilities through the purchase of ten Norwegian NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) batteries. This initiative is part of a massive 36 billion euro military investment strategy led by new Defense Minister Theo Franken.

The strategy is aimed at significantly strengthening the country's defense potential and preparing for new security challenges in the face of growing tensions in Europe. The acquisition of modern NASAMS air defense systems will allow Belgium to effectively counter aerial threats, including missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

This decision is being made against the backdrop of the upcoming NATO summit in June 2025 in The Hague, where a review of the guidelines on defense spending is expected. The alliance members plan to raise the target level of military budgets from the current 2% to 5% of GDP, reflecting the desire to strengthen collective security.

Defense Minister Theo Franken emphasized the importance of these investments to ensure national security and fulfill obligations to NATO allies. The restoration and modernization of air defense will become key elements of Belgium's defense policy in the coming years.

NATO will force the UK to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP to meet the demands of the United States and Trump

Keir Starmer

Ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, which will be held in June 2025, the UK will be forced to agree to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035. This decision is part of a NATO initiative to strengthen the alliance's military power and is aimed at appeasing former US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized European allies for insufficient military budgets.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously stated his "ambition" to reach a level of 3% of GDP for defense, but did not give a firm commitment on time. Now, under pressure from NATO and taking into account the proposals of the alliance's Secretary General Mark Rutte, the UK will have to adopt a tougher target of 3.5% of GDP, as well as allocate an additional 1.5% for defense infrastructure, intelligence services and cybersecurity. Together, this will increase total defense spending to 5% of GDP.

Such an increase in spending will require a significant increase in the budget — by about 30 billion pounds annually, which is equivalent to an increase in the basic income tax rate by about 4 pence. This creates political tension in the government, as it is necessary to find a balance between defense financing and social programs.

Britain, traditionally considered one of the leaders of NATO in Europe, seeks to maintain its status, especially given the country's role in nuclear deterrence and military integration with its allies. However, experts note that achieving the goal of 3.5% of GDP is an ambitious task, given the economic realities and the political situation in a number of NATO member countries.

As part of the new defense strategy announced by Starmer, the UK plans to expand the production of submarines, modernize the army and aviation, and create a cyber command to counter daily cyber attacks. This will allow the country to become a "combat-ready, armored nation," ready to fend off threats from Russia and other potential adversaries..

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.

The Netherlands has announced a large-scale modernization of the armed forces: 17 key projects for the coming years

 

Dutch soldiers on training exercises

The Dutch Ministry of Defense has submitted to Parliament a "letter A" outlining plans to equip the country's armed forces in the coming years. The document provides for the implementation of 17 projects aimed at modernizing the army, with total expenditures of at least 1.45 billion euros (1.65 billion US dollars). These initiatives cover a wide range of areas, from the purchase of anti-torpedo torpedoes to the replacement of standard assault rifles and the equipping of a heavy infantry brigade with tracked armored vehicles.

One of the key projects will be the purchase of anti-torpedo torpedoes designed to protect Dutch Navy ships from underwater threats. These systems are expected to be operational by 2029, which will significantly enhance the fleet's anti-submarine defense capabilities.

Another important step will be to replace the assault rifles currently in service with the army. This solution is designed to provide military personnel with modern weapons that meet current requirements for accuracy, reliability and ergonomics. The transition to the new model will begin this decade.

The third significant project is related to equipping the heavy infantry brigade with tracked armored vehicles of general purpose. These vehicles will be used to perform a wide range of tasks, including troop transportation, reconnaissance, and combat support. They will enhance the mobility and security of units operating in difficult conditions.

The total costs for all 17 projects will amount to at least 1.45 billion euros, which is the lower end of the budget range for each of them. This highlights the Netherlands' commitment to investing in modern technology and equipment to enhance the army's combat capability. 

Such initiatives are aimed not only at strengthening national defense, but also at ensuring compatibility with NATO allies. Modern weapons and equipment will allow the Netherlands to participate more effectively in international missions and operations.

The modernization plans demonstrate the Netherlands' commitment to maintaining a high level of defense capability in the face of growing geopolitical challenges. The introduction of new weapons and equipment systems will allow the country to maintain its role as a reliable partner within the NATO alliance.

In addition, these projects will create new jobs and stimulate the development of the defense industry in the country. The successful implementation of the programs can also become an example for other States seeking to modernize their armed forces.

The Netherlands is steadily moving towards strengthening its armed forces through large-scale investments in modern technologies and equipment. The plans outlined in Letter A underscore the strategic importance of these initiatives to ensure the security of the country and its allies. The implementation of these projects will be an important stage in the development of the Dutch defense capability in the coming years.