EU commits to increased defence spending and boosting capability
The CAVS programme, based on a Patria 6x6 vehicle, is an example of transnational procurement being promoted by the EU. (Photo: Patria)
There has been increased pressure from the second-term Trump administration in the US, as there was in the first term, for increased defence spending from non-US NATO countries, a move which is noted by Europe as already occurring.
The European Union (EU) needs to continue to increase spending on defence, focus on air and missile defence, improve access to finance for defence procurement and look at common equipment options, according to President António Costa.
The statement of direction and intent followed a meeting of EU leaders and the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 3 February. The statement also emphasised the importance of the connection between European NATO countries, 23 of which are EU members, and the US.
Figures provided show annual defence spending by EU countries more than doubling in the past two decades with almost all
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