25 C
Agartala
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

EU leaders eye stronger military capabilities at first-ever defence meeting

Date:

 European Union leaders held their first-ever defence meeting on Monday, focusing on strengthening military capabilities, hiking defence financing and reinforcing strategic partnerships.

European Council President Antonio Costa emphasised the need to address critical defence gaps, particularly in air and missile defence, ammunition production and military mobility, in coordination with NATO.

Speaking at a press conference, he underscored the urgency of strengthening the European defence industry to accelerate military equipment production.

According to Costa, defence spending among 23 EU members has increased by 30 percent between 2021 and 2024 with an average of 2 percent of GDP allocated to defence.

The European Investment Bank has expanded its support for defence financing, while discussions on additional funding, particularly for the next EU budget cycle starting in 2028, are ongoing.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also joined the meeting.

The ongoing Ukraine conflict remained a central topic, with EU leaders reaffirming their commitment to supporting Ukraine for “as long as necessary and whatever it takes.”

Costa stressed that the EU is no longer debating whether to strengthen its defence but rather how to implement it, highlighting the urgency of building a more capable, independent European security framework.

Share post:

Subscribe

Adspot_imgspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

Centre assures flood relief after completing procedures: CM

By TC News Desk Agartala, 11th February 2025:   Chief Minister...

Three Constable of Tripura Police suspended for indiscipline in duty

By TC News Desk Agartala, 11th February 2025:   The North...

Miscreants set farmer’s 30-kani rubber garden on fire at Kamalasagar

By TC News Desk Agartala, 11th February 2025:   A devastating...

Husband held for wife’s murder at Amtali

By TC News Desk Agartala, 11th February 2025:   Shyamal Das...