Polish PM: European Union Agrees To Increase Defense Against Russia In 5 Years

Polish PM Donald Tusk/PHOTO via Instagram @donaldtusk

JAKARTA - Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said EU leaders now agreed the EU should be fully capable of defending itself against Russian attacks by 2030.

Europe has drastically increased spending on defense over concerns that the United States, which has guaranteed European security since the end of the Second World War, is no longer excited to do so, shifting its attention to the Indo-Pacific.

However, not all EU countries are committed to increasing the defense budget, especially countries that are geographically far from Russia.

Speaking after a summit of EU leaders, Tusk said countries that are now spending less than other countries on defense are reluctant to accept the five-year scheme proposed by the European Commission.

"Behind the scenes, it stimulates emotions. Especially in countries that are now spending very little on defense. There are several big countries that still spend very little. And they don't want to spend more. For now," Tusk said at a press conference reported by Reuters, Friday, March 21.

NATO member states, Spain, spent 1.28% of GDP on defense by 2024.

Italy spent 1.49%, well below NATO's agreed target of 2% of GDP, despite a three-year war in Ukraine and US pressure to further increase its NATO defense spending target.

Slovenia, Belgium and Portugal also spent between 1.29% and 1.55% of GDP on defense.

Italy plans to increase military spending to 1.6% from GDP by 2027, while Spain wants to achieve a 2% NATO spending target from GDP just before 2029. "Our position, divided by Denmark and Sweden, is that the more Russia has the current advantage, the more we have to rush. We finally accept, as the Council of Europe, this commitment that by 2030 Europe must gain full defense capabilities," said Tusk.

"By 2030, Europe should, in terms of soldiers, weapons, technology, obviously stronger than Russia and that will happen," said the Polish PM.

Tusk said the five-year deadline is in accordance with an analysis by NATO chief Mark Rutte that this is the amount of time Europe has before Russia rebuilds its offensive capabilities, following losses suffered in Ukraine, which are sufficient to be ready to attack Europe.

He stressed that this does not mean Europe expects Russian attacks by 2030.

"It is very important for Europe to really be able to defend itself and block Putin," said Tusk.

"Or, it's not about self-defense and more about showing through the facts and decisions that Russia Putin has no chance of fighting a united and fully armed Europe. This is the only effective method to avoid war," he continued.