EU proposes joint defence push amid Russia fears and US worries

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas speaks as she presents the white paper on the future of European defence, in Brussels, Belgium March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Europe should further boost military spending, pool resources on joint defence projects and buy more European arms, according to an EU blueprint unveiled on Wednesday, driven by fears of Russia and doubts about the future of U.S. protection.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, presented the proposals in a White Paper on defence, which aims to ensure Europe has a "strong and sufficient" defence posture by 2030.