EU approves five-year timeframe for boosting defense capabilities against Russia, says Poland's PM

This was reported by Reuters.

The outlet explained that this decision was prompted by growing threats from Russia and the changing geopolitical situation, in which the United States is increasingly focusing on the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking after the EU leaders' summit, where the EU's defense strengthening plan was discussed, Tusk noted that countries that currently spend less on defense than others were reluctant to agree to the plan proposed by the European Commission.

"Behind the scenes... it stirred some emotions. Especially in countries that spend little on defence now. There are several large countries that still spend very little. And they don't want to spend more. For now," said the head of the Polish government.

For example, the outlet cites Spain, which spent only 1.28% of its GDP on defense in 2024, and Italy with 1.49%, significantly below the NATO agreed target of 2% of GDP. Similar figures are observed in Slovenia, Belgium, and Portugal, where the spending levels range from 1.29% to 1.55% of GDP.

"Our position, shared with Denmark and Sweden, was that the more Russia has the advantage today, the more we have to hurry. We finally accepted, as the European Council, this commitment that by 2030 Europe must obtain full defence capabilities," he added. "By 2030 Europe must be, in terms of army, weapons, technology, clearly stronger than Russia. And it will be."

According to Tusk, the five-year timeline aligns with an analysis by NATO leader Mark Rutte, who believes that this is the amount of time Europe has before Russia restores its offensive capabilities after its losses in Ukraine, in order to be prepared for an attack on Europe. He clearly stated that this does not mean Europe expects a Russian attack in 2030.

"It is key that Europe be really capable to defend itself and deter Putin," Tusk said. "Or, it is less about defending and more about showing through facts, decisions, that Putin's Russia does not stand a chance against Europe that is united and well-armed. It is the only effective method to avoid a war."

• On March 20, the European Council website reported that the final document of the European Council regarding the summit on Ukraine was supported by all member states of the bloc, except for Hungary.