Ursula von der Leyen Calls for a Fivefold Increase in European Defense Spending

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a fivefold increase in defense spending in the European Union and a tenfold enhancement of military mobility capabilities as part of the new European budget proposals.

Von der Leyen stated during a press conference in Latvia:
"That is why the new European Union budget, which we just presented, includes significant increases in defense spending and in military mobility areas."

The European Commission had proposed its defense strategy in March under the title "Rearming Europe," before the name was changed to "Readiness 2030" after objections from several member states. The strategy aims to attract around 800 billion euros over four years to support defense capabilities.

In May, the European Union approved the establishment of a credit facility named (SAFE) worth 150 billion euros to increase arms production, along with allocating about 650 billion euros from member states' budgets.

Brussels, in return, pledged to be lenient with some countries exceeding fiscal discipline standards, including high levels of deficit, in exchange for commitment to arms enhancement plans.