EU Runs Low on Weapons Stockpiles Amid Putin Sanctions, Threatening Defense Capability

US and EU "Must Replenish Empty Arsenal" Sense of Crisis

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Amid nuclear weapon warning messages from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the European Union (EU) has expressed a sense of crisis, stating that it faces a threat to its defense capabilities due to depleted weapon stocks and has proposed that it must actively embark on 'military rearmament.'

On the 8th (local time), Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized the need for active investment to increase weapon stocks, pointing out that the Ukraine war has revealed a lack of core defense capabilities within the EU.

In a speech related to the European Defence Agency (EDA) annual expenditure report held in Brussels, Belgium, he stated, "We lack the defense capabilities to protect ourselves from high-level threats," adding, "We are facing real threats, and these threats are likely to intensify."

He pointed out, "Investment in the defense sector has been consistently low for years," and "As a result, our weapon stocks have rapidly depleted since we began supporting Ukraine."

He continued, "When we provide military support to Ukraine, that support comes from existing stockpiles, not factories," and reiterated, "Everyone agrees that the stockpiles have rapidly depleted because the arsenals were already nearly empty."

According to the EDA report, EU member states spent a total of 214 billion euros on defense last year. This accounts for only 1.5% of the EU's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), falling short of the 2% target. EU member states significantly cut defense spending starting from the 2008 global financial crisis.

The EU, which does not possess its own military force, has so far focused on economic integration and many member states have relied on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) collective defense system, leading to a perception of 'redundant' investment.

However, the Ukraine war has brought security importance to the forefront. Voices are growing louder in the West, including the United States and EU member states, calling for replenishing empty arsenals through large-scale military support to Ukraine.

High Representative Borrell also emphasized the need for continuous support to Ukraine while stressing that EU member states must fill the capability gaps by strengthening joint weapon procurement and technological investment.

He mentioned that by 2025, the 27 countries plan to increase their individual defense spending by a total of about 70 billion euros (approximately 97 trillion won), stating, "Our choice is clear. We must cooperate more, especially by enhancing cooperation among European armies."

Earlier, Germany approved a 100 billion euro special defense fund in June to expand its military capabilities. As a result of this decision, Germany's defense spending, which was 1.53% of GDP (47 billion euros), will increase to 2% of GDP annually by 2024.