EU leaders confirmed their commitment to autonomous defense solutions

The heads of the European Union (EU) member states confirmed their goal to achieve the ability to autonomously solve defense and security tasks in five years. The relevant document was adopted on June 26 at the EU summit in Brussels.

"Europe must become more sovereign, more responsible for its own defense, and better equipped to act and cope autonomously and in a coordinated manner with current and future challenges and threats," reads the text of the document published on the website of the European Council.

It clarifies that the EU needs to continue to significantly increase defense spending. The importance of joint projects aimed at increasing the defense capability of the EU countries is also noted.

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Earlier in the day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the decision of NATO countries to increase defense spending would not have a significant impact on Russia's security. The minister noted that the decision to increase the alliance's military spending poses the main threat to taxpayers of EU countries, who will be forced to compensate for additional expenses.

On June 25, at the summit, NATO countries confirmed their intention to raise defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). It is noted that the members of the alliance intend to review the balance and direction of investments in 2029, taking into account the strategic situation and the updated goals of the military bloc.