The defense budgets of EU member countries for 2024 are influenced by a variety of factors, including geopolitical tensions, commitments to NATO, and the individual strategic priorities of each nation. The backdrop of these budget decisions is often the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has significantly affected defense strategies across Europe.
European defense spending has historically varied widely across the EU, with countries prioritizing defense budgets differently based on their geopolitical situations, economic capabilities, and perceived threats. In recent years, there has been a concerted push within the EU and among NATO members to increase defense spending, often aiming to meet or exceed the 2% of GDP target set by NATO.
Several EU countries have announced significant increases in their defense budgets in response to the evolving security landscape. For example, Poland’s parliament passed the Homeland Defence Act, which will increase defense spending to 3% of GDP, making it one of the highest defense spenders in Europe. Similarly, countries like Slovakia, Slovenia, Latvia, and Romania have announced intentions to reach or exceed the 2% GDP mark in defense spending, with Romania increasing its defense budget by 14% in 2022 alone.
The Franco-German partnership, crucial for EU defense cooperation, faces challenges in advancing major defense projects like the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the Main Ground Combat System due to industrial disagreements and political challenges. The broader context of EU defense efforts reveals both a push towards increasing budgets and significant obstacles to achieving cohesive defense strategies across member states.
The European Defence Fund, with an allocation of €8 billion for 2021–2027, underscores the EU’s efforts to bolster its defense technological and industrial base, with France and Germany being the leading investors in defense technologies within the bloc. Nevertheless, the outbreak of war in Ukraine has prompted further increases in defense budgets across Europe, with France, the United Kingdom, and Poland notable for their significant budget increases. Germany announced an additional €100 billion in 2022, targeting a 2% GDP defense spending goal.
However, despite these increases, Europe’s defense efforts are often seen as fragmented and not fully aligned with the growing security demands, especially in light of the US’s strategic pivot towards China and potential disengagement from European security under certain political conditions. This fragmentation and the challenges of coordinating national defense strategies emphasize the need for a more unified European defense posture.
Belgium’s Defense Spending Trajectory
Belgium has committed to significantly increase its defense spending over the next decade, aiming to meet NATO’s target of 2% of GDP by 2035. The gradual increase plan outlines a defense spending rise to 1.54% of GDP by 2030, amounting to approximately €10 billion, compared to the 1.18% allocated in recent years. This commitment was confirmed by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at a NATO summit, although a precise timeline for reaching the 2% threshold was not provided. This increase is part of a broader effort to enhance military capabilities and promote a more integrated and sustainable defense industry in Europe.
The budget boost includes investing more than €10 billion by 2030 to enhance the national army’s capabilities, allowing it to catch up with its European counterparts. This funding will support various modernization efforts, including the acquisition of new helicopters, lighter transport aircraft, Caesar-type artillery systems, and an expansion of the military’s cyber component.
Belgium’s defense budget has experienced growth from $4.8 billion in 2019 to $7.1 billion in 2023, indicating a commitment to modernization and meeting NATO targets amid increasing geopolitical tensions. An additional €1 billion was allocated to ramp up defense spending, highlighting the urgency felt in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the perceived need for a general upgrade in military capabilities, including cybersecurity.
Despite these increases, Belgium’s defense spending as a percentage of GDP remains below the NATO guideline of 2%, with only a gradual increase planned over the coming years. This has sparked discussions on the need for greater integration between the military capabilities of partners and ensuring that investments yield more returns to the European industry and society.
In summary, EU member countries are navigating a complex security environment that necessitates increased defense spending and greater cooperation. However, achieving a coherent EU-wide defense strategy remains a significant challenge, compounded by differing national priorities, geopolitical tensions, and the overarching need for a more autonomous European defense capability.
References:
- Euronews. How European countries stand on 2% of GDP defence spending
- Defense News. Ukraine’s long shadow: Four factors shaping European defense in 2024
- Politico. Europe’s defense efforts remain underwhelming
- The Brussels Time. Belgium pledges to almost double its defence spending in the next decade
- The Brussels Time. Belgium to add 10 billion euros to military spending budget
- Army Technology. Belgium’s defence modernisation soars as budget surpasses $8.6bn by 2028
- The Brussels Time. Belgian defence gets €1 billion boost
- The Brussels Time. Belgium’s defence budget should increase to 2% by 2035, says De Croo
