European militarisation is intensifying. In March, the EU published its White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, stating that “Europe must build a Defence Union that ensures peace through unity and strength.” The document paved the way for an unprecedented €800bn in additional defence spending.
Even before the White Paper’s publication, EU member states’ military expenditure for 2024 had reached €343bn — 2.7 times more than Russia’s spending of €126.9bn ($149bn).
Britain spent €69.6bn in 2024, while combined NATO defence spending stood at €1,281bn.
Alongside well-equipped European armies, the continent hosts more than 40 US military bases, around 84,000 US service personnel, and approximately 600 nuclear warheads.
Against this backdrop, it is difficult to justify the need for an additional €800bn. Nevertheless, Europe is moving ahead, redirecting funds from healthcare, housing and social programmes towards preparations for war.
Part of this package includes a €150bn loan mechanism known as SAFE. Its legal basis is Article 122 — an emergency clause that allows the European Commission and the Council to bypass the European Parliament in cases of “severe difficulties” or “exceptional occurrences.”
In November, the EU launched a military mobility initiative aimed at creating a so-called “military Schengen,” designed to facilitate the rapid movement of troops and equipment across borders. Shortly afterwards, France and Germany announced plans to reintroduce military service. Other EU member states have taken similar steps.