EU must rearm by 2030, EU's von der Leyen says

The European Union has unveiled a plan to bolster its defense capabilities by 2030, aiming to enhance military autonomy and reduce reliance on external allies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday in Copenhagen, the EU's initiative to rearm itself by 2030, targeting a significant enhancement of the bloc's defense infrastructure.

The strategy aims to establish a credible deterrent in response to evolving geopolitical threats, notably the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and uncertainties regarding U.S. military support.

The "Readiness 2030" strategy, which will be announced on Wednesday local time, comprises several key components, including fiscal flexibility, defense loans, and infrastructure development.

The proposal also includes the creation of a European Military Sales Mechanism to streamline collective arms procurement across the EU and support arms manufacturers.