Polish PM Says EU Leaders Have Set a Five-Year Deadline to Enhance Defenses Against Russia

European Union leaders have agreed that by 2030, the EU must be fully prepared to defend itself against a potential Russian threat, despite initial opposition from some member states, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
In response to growing concerns that the United States, which has long ensured Europe’s security since the end of World War II, is shifting its focus to the Indo-Pacific region, Europe is significantly increasing its defense spending. However, not all EU countries are equally committed to raising their defense budgets, particularly those farther from Russia.
Following a summit where EU leaders discussed improving defense readiness, Tusk explained that nations with lower defense spending had been initially reluctant to accept the European Commission’s proposed five-year plan. “There were strong reactions behind the scenes, especially from countries that spend less on defense. Several large countries remain hesitant to increase their defense budgets, at least for now,” Tusk stated during a press conference.
For instance, Spain allocated just 1.28% of its GDP to defense in 2024, while Italy spent 1.49%, both falling short of the NATO target of 2%, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and growing pressure from the U.S. to raise defense spending. Slovenia, Belgium, and Portugal also allocated between 1.29% and 1.55% of their GDP to defense. Italy plans to increase its defense spending to 1.6% of GDP by 2027, while Spain hopes to meet NATO’s target by 2029.
Tusk emphasized that Poland, along with Denmark and Sweden, had advocated for a quicker response. “The more Russia has the upper hand today, the more urgently we need to act,” Tusk said. “By 2030, Europe must achieve full defense capabilities. Europe will be stronger than Russia in terms of military power, weapons, and technology.”
Tusk also referred to NATO’s analysis, which indicates that Europe five years before Russia, having suffered significant losses in Ukraine, could rebuild its military capacity and potentially threaten Europe. However, he clarified that this timeline does not suggest an imminent Russian attack in 2030.
“It is essential that Europe is genuinely capable of defending itself and deterring Putin,” Tusk concluded. “The goal is not just defense, but to show through actions that a united and well-armed Europe presents an insurmountable challenge to Putin’s Russia. This is the most effective way to prevent war.”