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Metsola urges EU leaders to increase bloc's defence spending
The EU drive for boosting defence spending is prompted by a number of factors, most notably the Russian invasion of Ukraine and US president Donald Trump’s warning to NATO members demanding that they raise defence spending to 5% of GDP
3 February 2025, 1:31pm
Matthew Farrugia
Matthew Farrugia
1 min read
(Photo: Roberta Metsola)
At an informal European Council meeting on defence in Brussels, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stressed that the bloc must strengthen its own defence.
She emphasised the need for “more action, more financing, and more cooperation” to meet expectations for greater security.
Metsola stressed that enhancing security is not an act of goodwill but a necessity, adding that any approach must respect the constitutional frameworks of EU Member States.
“It is about research and development—about investing in technologies like AI to strengthen cyber resilience and improve our surveillance and situational awareness,” she added.
She argued that security investment is not only about protection but also about boosting European competitiveness, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth.
Addressing EU leaders, Metsola highlighted the need to tackle market fragmentation within the bloc. “Different rules, standards, and systems are putting up barriers and risk holding us back,” she warned, urging better coordination among Member States.
“Europe must be responsible for its own security. No one else will do this for us,” she concluded.
The EU drive for boosting defence spending is prompted by a number of factors, most notably the Russian invasion of Ukraine and US president Donald Trump’s warning to NATO members demanding that they raise defence spending to 5% of GDP.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Matthew Farrugia is a staff reporter at MaltaToday
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