Europe Keeps More Budget For Military Spending Amid 'Profound Shifts In US Policy', France Considers Using Nuclear Deterrent

In light of the possibility of being abandoned by the United States under the administration of President Donald Trump, leaders of the European Union (EU) initiated urgent discussions on Thursday (6 March). The goal of these meetings was to strengthen their own security measures and guarantee continued adequate protection for Ukraine.

Over breakfast in Brussels, Friedrich Merz, who is anticipated to be Germany's next chancellor, and summit chairman Antonio Costa deliberated on how to strengthen Europe's defenses within a tight timeframe, The Hindu reported.

This week, Merz advocated for the relaxation of the country's regulations on accruing debt, with the aim of increasing funds for defense spending.

In the meantime, news was spreading across the 27-member union that French President Emmanuel Macron was planning to consult with EU leaders on the potential use of France's nuclear deterrent as a shield against Russian threats.

“Given these profound shifts in US policy, and the existential threat of another war on the continent, Europe must manage its essential defence tasks,” the European Policy Center think tank was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“Member states will be able to increase their military spending” and “massive joint funding will be provided to buy and produce some of the most innovative munitions, tanks, weapons and equipment in Europe,” Macron was quoted as saying.

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has put forth a proposal to relax budget regulations, allowing countries to allocate more funds for defense if they choose to. This proposal is supported by the provision of loans amounting to 150 billion euros ($162 billion) for the purchase of essential military equipment.

The majority of the surge in defense expenditure would need to be sourced from national budgets during a period where numerous nations are already heavily laden with debt.