EU leaders approve €800 billion military spending plan

European Union leaders have approved a significant defense spending plan worth €800 billion (about $866 billion). This plan aims to reduce Europe's reliance on the United States for military support, especially in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The plan encourages EU countries to buy more European-made weapons and to collaborate on military procurement. This joint effort will also include countries like Ukraine, which neighbors the EU. However, the agreement revealed some disagreements among member states. Spain wants to include cybersecurity and climate change as part of defense, but EU officials rejected this idea, calling it “defense-washing.” Italy has changed its stance on EU military spending, expressing concern about giving more power to the EU rather than individual nations. Hungary continues to support military aid for European countries but opposes sending weapons to Ukraine. Despite these divisions, EU leaders recognize a need for a stronger defense strategy. They struggled to reach a consensus on additional support for Ukraine, with Hungary refusing to join a joint declaration promising military and financial aid. A plan to mobilize €40 billion for Ukraine also faced challenges, while a smaller proposal focusing on artillery shells appeared uncertain. So far, the EU has sent €139.2 billion to Ukraine, including €49.3 billion for military efforts. Overall, the EU is acting quickly to address security needs amid concerns about US support diminishing. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, emphasized the urgency in protecting European values like democracy and freedom.