The European Union has announced a new security strategy aimed at reducing its dependency on the United States for military equipment and strengthening its own defense capabilities.
In response to Russian aggression, the EU’s executive branch has unveiled the “Readiness 2030” strategy, which includes buying more defense equipment from European suppliers. The plan aims to increase domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign countries, particularly the US.
Under the strategy, EU member states are urged to purchase most of their military equipment from within the continent, with a focus on European suppliers. The goal is to create an EU-wide market for defense equipment, stimulate innovation, and strengthen the European defense industrial base.
The strategy comes as the US has signaled a shift in its security priorities, focusing on its own borders and Asia. This move has led to concerns among European countries, which have traditionally relied heavily on US military support.
The plan also includes boosting security ties with NATO allies outside the EU, such as Canada and Australia, while excluding defense firms from the US, UK, and Turkey unless they sign security agreements with the EU.
Key areas of focus for joint purchases include air and missile defense systems, artillery, drones, and cyber warfare equipment. The strategy aims to provide Ukraine with significant military aid, including two million artillery rounds per year, more air defense systems, missiles, and drones, as well as training thousands of Ukrainian troops annually.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU must take a stronger stance on its security and “buy more European” to strengthen its defense capabilities. The strategy is part of a broader effort to wean the EU off Russian natural gas imports and reduce dependence on external powers.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/eu-defense-us-ukraine-industry-ammunition-weapons-ea03077814f9113b548d7281f32a11b5