Russian Attack: Europe Fears an Imminent Conflict

The European Union is preparing for a possible Russian attack against one of its member states, with the Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, set to present a European Defense White Paper by March 19. This document will outline measures to address immediate military contingencies and long-term security challenges. However, turning these intentions into concrete actions is complex.

A European Defense Industrial Plan to Protect Us from a Russian Attack

The European defense industry is fragmented and needs a structured industrial plan to become competitive. Experts emphasize the need for a coordinated approach among member states to standardize and share resources. The report by Mario Draghi estimates that the EU needs about 500 billion euros over the next decade to remain competitive in the defense sector.

Kubilius proposes allocating at least 100 billion euros for defense in the next Multiannual Financial Framework and suggests issuing "defense bonds" to bridge the investment gap. Additionally, there is discussion about the idea of a rearmament bank and revising the European Investment Bank's lending rules.

The EU aims to increase cooperation among the armed forces of the 27 member states and promote research and development in the defense sector. The European Defense Fund has a budget of 8 billion euros for the period 2021-2027, but further investments are needed to maintain global competitiveness.

Finally, Kubilius emphasizes the importance of creating closer ties between the space and defense industries, using space intelligence to protect Europe. The EU is strengthening its capabilities in this area, recognizing the importance of space security for modern defense.