Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put war back in the heart of Europe, a brutal shock that prompts us to rethink how the European Union (EU) protects itself. If the EU does not take the necessary measures to counter this threat, the security of the continent could be compromised for decades. Another challenge: the EU can no longer rely solely on the US for its defence. It is therefore crucial that European
countries rapidly build up their military capabilities.
Defence spending has increased in recent years, but gaps remain due to decades of underinvestment. Although the EU is meeting the NATO 2% of GDP defence target, seven EU Member States still fall short. In addition, the defence market in Europe is fragmented. Each country favours its own industries and purchases, which leads to high costs and low production. Better cooperation between Member States could reduce these costs and improve Europe’s ability to defend itself collectively.
One solution is to create an integrated European defence market. This would streamline arms purchases and increase the effectiveness of our armies. Of course, this requires massive funding: about 500 billion euros in the next five years. But this challenge is also an opportunity to rethink our defence model. By further integrating our markets, the EU could not only strengthen its military capabilities but also encourage innovation and support local industries to maintain its strategic autonomy.
In the face of today’s threats, the EU must go beyond individual solutions and develop a common and ambitious strategy. A stronger and more coherent European defence is not only necessary for our security, but also to preserve the values of peace and stability that are the basis of our Union.