With the US stepping back from its support of Ukraine, the European Union is stepping up in a big way. At a crucial summit, 26 EU leaders, with Hungary as the lone abstainer, agreed to massively boost defense spending to protect the continent from growing threats, particularly from Russia. The new defense plan will see a whopping €800 billion allocated helping to fortify European nations against Russian aggression.
The EU's commitment comes at a time when Ukraine is gasping for support. While the US has pulled back from actively assisting Ukraine, leaving the war-torn nation in a tough spot, Europe is answering the call. French President Emmanuel Macron has already promised to continue sharing vital intelligence with Ukraine, a move that the Trump administration’s CIA had halted. This shift is a big deal as intelligence has played a key role in helping Ukraine fight back against Russian forces.
The EU is also getting smarter with its support to Ukraine. It plans to send over $33 billion in aid, with the funds coming from Russian assets that have been frozen due to sanctions. The UK, though no longer part of the EU, is also stepping up its defense game, announcing the largest increase in defense spending since the end of the Cold War.
"We are moving decisively towards a strong and more sovereign Europe of defense," said Antonio Costa, President of the EU Council, after the summit.
Leaders are also pushing to provide EU-backed loans of up to €150 billion to further strengthen member states' defenses. Macron has even suggested extending France’s nuclear deterrent to other European countries, a move that would give the EU more security independence.
With a dramatic shift in America’s Ukraine policy, Europe is no longer waiting for the US to lead. The EU is taking charge of its own security while continuing to help Ukraine in its fight for survival. With billions of euros now on the table and more defense spending promised, Europe is making it clear that it’s ready to stand strong against any threat, especially Russia.
