EU is increasing its ‘Defense Expenditure’

The European Union (EU) drew up proposals on Wednesday for a new European Defense Union Plan, with a defense fund of €500 million in 2019 – 2020, which would then double to €1billion annually from the year, 2020.

Commitments to NATO

It is seen that there is an inclination to invest less in defense in Europe, since the Cold War times. The EU Countries are known to spend 7 times less than the U.S on defense research and development. 22 of the EU countries are members of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).

A statement was released by U.S Defense Secretary, James Mattis in February, 2017 that if the expenditures are not met, U.S will reduce its commitment to NATO; apart from the US, Britain, Estonia, Poland and Greece, other member states do not meet the necessary expenditure requirement.

Germany for instance, spends 1.2% of its GDP on defense and remains reserved on defense matters since its war time. 

What Mobilized the Defense Spending?

A series of events have taken place, in and around Europe which have aggravated tensions and security issues, notwithstanding the fact that building on such capabilities is deemed necessary in today’s world.

NATO has long supported this move. US President, Donald Trump had urged the European Union that it should increase its defense spending.

European Commission President, Jean-Claude Junker asserted that it was high time to build on military strength. With United Kingdom, a leading military power ‘exiting’ the Union, it calls for attention among EU members to integrate military capabilities.

Terror attacks on the Western part of Europe have reinforced the importance of security. Citizens look to their governments and institutions to provide them with ‘security’; it is a top priority among states.

Soft Power must be matched by Hard Power

Junker confirmed that for a long time, the EU had relied on its soft power for affecting decisions. However, on failing to do so in recent times and with the wake of the terror attacks, it was realized that soft power can no longer be the only thing to capitalize on.

Junker confirms that the European Union is all bent on taking responsibility for securing its own interest and the only way in doing so, is by being able to defend itself at home and abroad.

A Realistic European Union…

In the face of criticism, from U.S President, Donald Trump, EU is wrapping up its talk by launching defense strategies for the future of the Union. It is said that initially normal relations would continue with NATO, and then gradually EU will build on the Union’s own defense capabilities. This would enable EU to maintain ‘high-end’ defense operations in the region, manning its own territory, eventually.

In order to expand EU efforts, internationally, it is important for the EU to allocate significant funds to build a stronger, more capable Europe in today’s world.

Security is often seen through the ‘lens of hard power’, as more and more countries build on their military capabilities. There is an innate sense of independence from having a capable military alliance, at one’s disposal.