Summary
The EU is shifting toward defense self-sufficiency with Ursula von der Leyen’s €800 billion ReArm Europe plan, driven by U.S. uncertainty.
It allows higher defense spending by breaking debt rules and introducing EU-backed loans for military investments.
Previously hesitant countries like Sweden and Germany now support it, while Hungary and Slovakia remain skeptical.
The plan prioritizes Europe’s security, sidestepping Ukraine-specific aid to avoid vetoes. If approved, it marks a historic step toward an independent EU defense strategy.
There’s also the fact that that money isn’t strictly money “wasted” - you can effectively double dip by using the funds to buy domestic or allied materials, essentially just circulating the money around your economy and creating defense-related jobs. Not that you wanna go full MIC but it’s not like Europe is gonna be flushing 800B down the drain.