18 EU Countries Demand Billions to Boost Independent European Security

Brussels, Belgium – Eighteen European Union countries have applied for billions of euros from a newly established defense fund aimed at strengthening European security and reducing dependence on the United States. These applications were submitted earlier this month as part of an effort to develop advanced military capabilities within the EU.

European Defense Fund (EDF) Overview

The European Defense Fund (EDF) was launched by the European Commission to foster cooperation among EU member states in defense technology and equipment. This fund provides billions of euros annually to support:

• Joint defense projects
• Research and innovation
• Technological sovereignty across Europe

Member States Involved

Defense ministers from the 18 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and others, recently met in Brussels to discuss their applications and coordinate strategies. These countries seek to increase their defense budgets and modernize armed forces through projects such as:

1. New fighter jets
2. Drones
3. Cybersecurity tools
4. Missile defense systems

Strategic Objectives

Officials stressed the importance of constructing a more secure Europe capable of acting autonomously in global conflicts. This goal seeks to reduce the EU’s reliance on NATO and the US military presence. Commissioner Thierry Breton stated, “This is a historic moment for European defense. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can create a safer Europe. The EDF provides the financial backbone for our ambitions.”

Economic and Industrial Impact

The EDF is expected to benefit local defense industries by fostering cross-border collaboration. Key advantages include:

• Supporting innovation
• Creating jobs within the EU
• Enabling more efficient defense spending
• Promoting improved technological advancements

Challenges and Outlook

Despite strong commitment, challenges remain, such as aligning the different interests and priorities of all 27 member states. Additionally, the rapidly evolving technological landscape in defense requires the EU to act quickly to remain competitive.

The next phase of the EDF will focus on finalizing project selections and allocating budgets to ensure strategic autonomy and enhanced European security.

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