European leaders are scrambling to shore up their own defenses as President Trump’s backing becomes increasingly uncertain. The US is the largest military funder of Ukraine’s war, but its stance on NATO and Europe is changing, forcing nations to take action.
A 30% increase in defense spending by EU nations, to $340 billion in 2024, demonstrates their commitment to addressing security concerns. However, finding a cohesive solution that boosts and coordinates European defense outlays will not be easy due to barriers like lack of trust between nations and conflicting national interests.
The EU is exploring joint procurement programs and financing options, including a collective pot of money raised during the pandemic or a vehicle supported by the European Investment Bank. A key goal is to make Europe more self-sufficient in defense while maintaining its relationship with the US, which is essential for peace and prosperity.
As tensions rise with Russia, EU nations must act swiftly to strengthen their defenses. The window of opportunity before President Putin might test the NATO alliance could be as short as three to seven years. With Trump’s backing uncertain, Europe’s ability to respond effectively will depend on its ability to work together and find a unified solution to address these growing challenges.
The German Marshall Fund’s Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer emphasizes that deterring Russia requires a long-term strategy, but European leaders have failed to explain the importance of NATO to younger generations. The EU must bridge this knowledge gap to ensure a strong alliance in the face of increasing uncertainty.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/world/europe/europe-trump-defense-budgets.html