Following the summit in Brussels, European Union leaders called for a rapid increase in defense capacity and an enhancement of Europe's military readiness by 2030.
The summit's final declaration highlighted serious security threats and challenges, noting that the war against Ukraine remains an existential challenge for the European Union. Therefore, it was stated that European defense readiness must be decisively strengthened by 2030.
Closing Defense Gaps Urged
The leaders demanded faster resolution of critical gaps in military capabilities, reduction of strategic dependencies, and acceleration of the implementation of previously agreed defense initiatives.
The declaration also emphasized the need to strengthen the protection of the European Union's land, air, and sea borders.
NATO Emphasis Included
The summit reaffirmed that collective defense for NATO countries within the European Union remains fundamentally based on the Alliance.
This message on strengthening defense capacity in Europe comes at a time when discussions about the continent's security architecture have resurfaced prominently.