Europe can Afford its Defence Without the US.

EU office

European leaders face a stark realization: the long-standing assumption of perpetual US military support might not hold indefinitely. This event underscored the urgency for Europe to evaluate its own defense capabilities and consider the feasibility of self-reliance in safeguarding its sovereignty.

The Financial Implications of Autonomous Defense

Recent analyses have shed light on the substantial investments required for Europe to independently ensure its security. A study by the Bruegel think tank and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy estimates that Europe would need to allocate an additional €250 billion annually to defense, effectively doubling current expenditures to approximately 3.5–4% of GDP. This funding would facilitate the recruitment of 300,000 new troops and the procurement of 1,400 tanks, 2,000 infantry fighting vehicles, and 700 artillery pieces — collectively surpassing the combined combat power of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK’s land forces.

While these figures are daunting as reported by the Wall Street Journal, Europe’s robust economic foundation suggests that such an investment is within reach. The continent’s collective GDP and industrial capacity provide a solid base to support this defense augmentation. However, this shift would necessitate a…