EU Leaders Approve Massive Increase in Defense Spending Amidst Ukraine Tensions

European Union leaders convened in Brussels on Thursday to address defense readiness amid ongoing concerns about the war in Ukraine. While all 27 member states agreed to bolster Europe's military capabilities, discord emerged regarding condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declined to endorse the EU's statement on Ukraine, alleging that other European nations were prolonging the conflict. Despite this dissent, all EU states supported a substantial increase in defense spending. A proposal by EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen to mobilize €650 billion over the next four years for defense was endorsed. Additionally, a €150 billion fund is planned to acquire air and missile defense systems, artillery, drones, and counter-drone technology. EU leaders affirmed their commitment to enhancing defense readiness, reducing strategic dependencies, addressing critical capability gaps, and strengthening the European defense technological and industrial base.