The Strategist

EU expects growing defense expenditures of member states by 2025



03/21/2023 - 10:15



According to a report published by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, the EU forecasts that member states' defense spending will increase by €70 billion by 2025 compared to 2021.



Pietro Naj-Oleari
Pietro Naj-Oleari
"According to the 2022 Annual Defense Review, the EU spent €214 billion on security in 2021 (an increase of 6 percent over 2020). By 2025, additional development is anticipated to reach €70 billion," the report reads.

At the same time, the EU foreign minister expressed regret over the fact that less than 20% of overall military spending is devoted to collaboration among EU nations. The target for such expenses is 35% at the same moment.

Prior to this, the EU External Action Service reported that the first Schuman Security and Defence Forum of the European Union took place in Brussels from March 20 to 21. Representatives from 27 EU nations as well as "the closest defense and security partners of the EU" gathered at the conference to discuss shared security challenges and solutions.

source: eeas.europa.eu