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

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.

Sweden is preparing for nuclear war: upgrading bunkers and increasing military spending

 

In the context of increasing tensions in Europe, Sweden is taking active steps to strengthen its defense capability. The country's authorities have announced plans to modernize 64,000 nuclear bunkers and allocate 100 million crowns (more than 10 million US dollars) for this purpose . This is part of a broader strategy to prepare for possible military threats.

Modernization of nuclear bunkers

The Swedish Emergency Management Agency (MSB) said the bunkers' upgrades will include checking and repairing existing shelters, as well as replacing filters to protect against radiation, chemical and biological weapons. In total, there are about 64,000 bunkers in the country, capable of sheltering up to 7 million people — about two thirds of the Swedish population. Modernization work has begun in 25 large bunkers, and the entire project is expected to be completed within two to three years.

Increased military spending

In addition, Sweden plans to significantly increase its military spending. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has announced that by 2030, the country's military spending will be increased to 3.5% of GDP, the highest level since the Cold War. The total cost of the modernization of the armed forces is estimated at 300 billion crowns (about 28 billion euros) . In 2025, Sweden's military budget will already reach 138 billion kroner (2.4% of GDP).

Public readiness

The Swedish authorities are also actively informing the population about the need to be prepared for possible military threats. In November 2024, MSB distributed pamphlets with instructions for citizens in case of war or other emergencies. These materials emphasize that every citizen should know their role and be ready to act in the event of an armed conflict.

Joining NATO and its consequences

Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, which was an important step in strengthening its defense capability. Previously, the country had remained neutral for more than 200 years, but the decision to join the alliance was prompted by growing security threats in the region. Prime Minister Kristersson stressed that the country "is not at war, but there is no peace either," pointing out the need to be prepared for hybrid attacks and other threats.

Canada reinforces Navy with drones for tracking and targeting

   

The Canadian military plans to allocate up to $ 100 million to equip the largest ships of the Navy with new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of conducting long-range surveillance and targeting in the maritime zone. This was announced by a representative of the Ministry of National Defense of the country. It is expected that the federal government will conclude a contract for the supply of up to 12 naval UAVs by the end of 2025, and the first vehicles will enter service within 12 months after signing the agreement.

Strategic strengthening of the fleet  

The move is part of a massive modernization of the Canadian Armed Forces, which includes upgrading Arctic Patrol Ships (AOPS) and expanding maritime reconnaissance capabilities. The new UAVs will be able to operate in the difficult conditions of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, where Canada is seeking to strengthen its presence amid growing geopolitical tensions. As noted earlier, existing AOPS are equipped with only 25 mm cannons, which makes them vulnerable to modern threats. Drones will also improve the effectiveness of tracking underwater and surface targets, as well as coordinating strikes.

Historical context and challenges  

For Canada, this is not the first experience of large purchases of UAVs. Earlier, in 2023, the country allocated $2.49 billion to purchase 11 MQ-9B Reaper drones from General Atomics, designed for reconnaissance and strike operations. However, the operation of such systems in the Arctic is associated with technical difficulties, such as low temperatures and poor communication, which has already raised concerns among military experts. The new ship-based UAVs are likely to be adapted to work in extreme conditions, but the details of the contract have not yet been disclosed.

 Global trends and costs  

Since 2014, Canada has consistently increased military spending: since 2014, over 273 million Canadian dollars (about $200 million) have been spent on unmanned technologies alone, and in 2025, an additional 440 million dollars have been allocated to support the Ukrainian military, including the production of drones. The current initiative highlights the priority of automation and high-tech solutions in the country's defense strategy. As of 2013, the Canadian Air Force had only 9 UAVs, but the new contract could increase this fleet by strengthening both the naval and air components of the army.