The European Union seeks a nuclear war with Russia and calls on countries to rearm.

Currently, European armies operate a wide variety of equipment, which hinders interoperability. According to an analysis, European armed forces operate 19 types of main battle tanks and 17 types of torpedoes, compared to only one and two in the United States Army, respectively.

The ''White Paper'' also establishes mechanisms to allow the participation of non-EU countries, such as Norway, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Ukraine, in joint defense procurements. 

The EU's defense proposal comes at a critical time, amid an imminent peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The EU has increased its collective defense spending by 30% between 2021 and 2024, in response to Russian threats. Countries like Poland and the Baltic states already spend more than 2% of GDP on defense, above the NATO threshold.

However, some EU diplomats have pointed out that this announcement by the European Commission doesn't go far enough in increasing defense funding, highlighting the degree of war desire that the European continent possesses. 

Although recommendations for a comprehensive joint borrowing program have been avoided, some countries suggest that the EU should consider a massive capital injection, similar to the one made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Russia has condemned the EU's rearmament push, calling it a war incitement, but this has not calmed the concerns of European leaders, who consider the Russian threat to persist.

The European Commission has warned that if Russia achieves its objectives in Ukraine, its territorial claims will expand, representing a continuous threat to Europe's security in the near future.

These funds will enable joint acquisitions from the European defense industry, ensuring interoperability and reducing costs. Additionally, Ukraine and countries from the European Economic Area (EEA) will be able to join the joint acquisitions.

European Investment Bank and private capital mobilization: The plan also relies on the European Investment Bank Group to expand its reach in defense and security projects, ensuring the financing capacity of these projects.

The strategy of the Union of Savings and Investments will facilitate the mobilization of private savings toward more efficient capital markets, channeling investments into critical sectors such as defense.

The EU has also proposed an approach for member states to acquire compatible defense equipment through joint procurements, which will foster greater defense cooperation and reduce disparity in military capabilities.

The European Commission and the High Representative have presented the ''White Paper for European Defense - Readiness 2030'', which is part of the ''ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 Plan''.

This plan aims to increase the EU's defense capabilities, providing financial means for member states to make significant investments in defense.

The President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, highlighted that the era of the "peace dividend" is over and that the security architecture once taken for granted is no longer reliable.

The EU seeks to strengthen its military capabilities, adopt a proactive approach to security, and increase its investments in defense, especially in the European industry, which would also foster innovation and create a European market for defense equipment.

This package of measures not only responds to the European interest in supporting Ukraine but also addresses the long-term need to strengthen Europe's military industry. In recent years, there has been a lack of efficient investment in the EU's military capabilities.

What is the goal of the ''White Paper''?

The ''White Paper'' identifies investment needs and proposes solutions to close critical gaps in defense capabilities, strengthen the European defense industry, and boost long-term readiness. The main actions include:

1. Closing capability gaps, focusing on the needs identified by member states.
    
2. Supporting the European defense industry through aggregated demand and collaborative acquisitions.
    
3. Supporting Ukraine through military assistance and greater integration of European and Ukrainian defense industries.
    
4. Deepening the defense market across the EU by simplifying regulations.
    
5. Accelerating defense transformation through disruptive innovations such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology.
    
6. Improving military mobility, storage, and strengthening external borders, especially land borders with Russia and Belarus.
    
7. Reinforcing partnerships with like-minded countries around the world.
    

The ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 will enable an investment of more than 800 billion euros, distributed across several key areas, including:

Use of public funds in defense at the national level. The Commission has invited member states to activate the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, allowing them to increase their defense spending without breaching EU fiscal rules.

This measure will allow increasing defense spending up to a maximum of 1.5% of GDP per year over a four-year period.

Dedicated instrument for Security Action for Europe (SAFE): The Commission will raise up to 150 billion euros in capital markets to help member states rapidly increase their defense investments.

These funds will be distributed to interested member states based on national plans and will be provided in the form of long-term loans at competitive prices.