Military spending across the European Union is ramping up in what observers have noted is a significant and “extraordinary” pivot from the comparatively placid postwar decades. As part of the ReArm Europe plan, EU member states hope to mobilize up to 800 billion euros. In June, NATO leaders agreed to increase defense spending up to 5% of each country’s gross domestic product by 2035.
What accounts for this change in posture? European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized that the continent has entered an “era of rearmament,” a collective measure meant to check Russian aggression and compensate for a break in relations with the U.S. under President Donald Trump. The money from the plan would be put toward investments in defense capabilities, such as air and missile defense, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition drones and anti-drone systems, according to von der Leyen.
Mai’a Cross, dean’s professor of political science, international affairs and diplomacy at Northeastern University, thinks the shift will be in Europe’s long-term interest. We spoke with her about related developments.
