Given its economic strength, the EU can allocate around €250B each year to defense. This expenditure, which represents 1.5% of the EU’s GDP, would enable Europe to mobilize around 300,000 soldiers counter Russian aggression. Military experts recommend increasing European defense spending to 3.5-4% of GDP per year from the current 2%. Half of this expenditure could be funded through a common European debt for joint procurement, while the remainder could be covered at the national level. To support 50 additional brigades, Europe would require 1,400 new main battle tanks and 2,000 infantry fighting vehicles.
It is noted that the Russian Federation may possess the military capability to attack EU countries within the next three to ten years, making it crucial to continue supporting Ukraine to deter further aggression.
Concurrently, NATO intends to construct a €21B pipeline system from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic by 2035 to ensure the rapid supply of aviation fuel for fighter jets in the event of a war with Russia.