Defense Spending for Europe’s Security – How Much Is Enough?

Key Messages

• Defense spending above the NATO target of 2% of GDP would be necessary for Europe to be able to provide sufficient security and to defend itself without the protective umbrella of the US.
• European countries must increase their efforts to catch up with an adequate defense capability, as defense budgets and military investments have been too low for years.
• Many European countries must compensate for higher real military costs – including wages for soldiers and costs for military equipment – than, for example, in Russia or China.
• More efficient and integrated military structures need to be established in Europe in the long term. The current geopolitical situation immediately requires higher defense spending.
• European governments need a credible plan to sustainably increase defense capabilities without jeopardizing budgetary stability and economic competitiveness.