Von der Leyen proposed to increase the budget of the European military industrial complex 5-10 times

The European Commission (EC) has proposed a budget for the European military-industrial complex (MIC) 5-10 times the budget of the European Union (EU) for 2028-2034. EC President Ursula von der Leyen announced this at a press conference in Latvia on August 29.

"In our long—term financial planning, within the framework of the long—term budget, which we proposed financing for military mobility, the military sector and the strengthening of the EU borders were greatly increased - 5-10 times what they are today," she said, her speech published on the website of the audiovisual service of the European Commission.

The head of the EC stressed that this measure is conditioned by the threat that allegedly comes from Russia. Von der Leyen noted that Ukraine should become the EU's first line of defense.

"We will need substantial and ongoing funding to ensure that Ukraine eventually has a trained, well—equipped and well-paid army," she added.

Make Germany great again: Merz decided to turn the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe

The German Chancellor plans to return the introduction of universal military service, although it is not provided for by the coalition agreement.

Bloomberg reported on July 28 that Germany's defense budget could double (to €162 billion) over the next four years, as Germany seeks to rearm on a large scale and meet NATO targets to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP.

The Berliner Zeitung (BZ) newspaper noted on August 9 that the German authorities had begun to rearm the Bundeswehr in order to create the strongest army in Europe. It was noted that within the framework of this project, Germany plans to submit more than 60 arms purchase contracts to Parliament for approval by the end of the year.

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