European countries seek to strengthen their military capabilities and strengthen their independence in defense matters

A meeting between representatives of Germany, France, Poland, Italy and the United Kingdom, the largest countries that spend the most on defense in Europe, has left a new agreement that will seek to strengthen the defense industry, and therefore the increase in military spending. Although this conversation once again brought up the problem of the percentage of GDP that countries allocate to NATO, the countries did not agree to reach 5% of GDP, a proposal given by the president-elect of the United States.

The group, which was created at the end of November 2024 in Berlin after Trump’s re-election in the United States, had its first meeting on January 13, 2025 in order to debate and agree on the challenges that the region and the world could bring to Europe.

This meeting, which took place in Pruszkow, Poland, was premised on the support of European countries for Ukraine, seeking greater unity and taking into account that American policy will change its course with the new management. In that sense, some of the statements given by officials after the meeting highlighted the need to expand the arms industry in Europe by 2025.

Regarding aid to Ukraine, the German Defense Minister expressed that in addition to the supply of materials, support for the Ukrainian arms industry is a decisive factor, they must adequately finance Ukrainian purchases. For his part, the Minister of Defense of Italy, Guido Crosetto, pointed out that “three years ago no one thought that the security of European countries could be exposed.” However, a good army today is also “a guarantee of survival for our democracies and those of all of Europe”. However, one must take into account the “difficulty” to invest more in defense with the current economic stagnation and with the “engine” of Europe, Germany, adding two consecutive years of recession.

“This is the moment when questions must be asked about the coordination of our security and defense” expressed Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of Defense of France. Likewise, the official proposed establishing a joint arms acquisition platform, an initiative also supported by the German government, and highlighted that the percentage of GDP also varies with the strength of the economy. “When you have strong growth, the share of defense spending decreases”said the French minister. Furthermore, he highlighted that digital war configures “a world in which we can be defeated without being invaded”.

Following that same line, yesterday the French Minister announced that the new gunpowder factory is now operational, which will aim for a production of 1,200 tons per year starting in 2026.

The next meeting of the group will be held in Paris and will be attended by the NATO Secretary General, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and the EU Defense Commissioner. Meanwhile, the European Commission convened an informal summit of European countries to discuss defense issues on February 3.

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