Von der Leyen’s second term: more money for armament and border militarization

Von der Leyen’s second term: more money for armament and border militarization

‘Von der Leyen’s second term: more money for armament and border militarization’

‘Von der Leyen’s second term: more money for armament and border militarization’

As Europe grapples with the ongoing fallout from the war in Ukraine, President Ursula von der Leyen’s second term in office has been marked by a renewed focus on bolstering the European Union’s defense and security capabilities. In a recent speech to the European Parliament, von der Leyen outlined her vision for a more militarily assertive and geopolitically influential EU, with significant implications for the bloc’s future.

Military Spending and Armament

One of the key pillars of von der Leyen’s agenda is the significant increase in defense spending across the EU. She has called for Member States to “turbocharge our defence industrial capacity in the next five years,” with a particular emphasis on joint procurement and modernization of member states’ armed forces. This push for greater military investment is seen as a direct response to the “volatile” security environment, characterized by the resurgence of authoritarianism and the growing assertiveness of powers like Russia and China.

The President has announced plans for the “first ever European Industrial Defence Strategy,” which will prioritize defense joint procurement to reduce fragmentation and increase interoperability. This strategy will be accompanied by the “European Defence Investment Programme,” aimed at providing stable orders and predictability for the EU’s defense industry. Von der Leyen has also proposed the creation of an “Office for Defence Innovation” in Kyiv, to leverage Ukraine’s battlefield experience and expertise in defense innovation.

Border Security and Militarization

Alongside the focus on military capabilities, von der Leyen’s second term has also witnessed a renewed emphasis on securing the EU’s external borders. The speech highlighted the launch of the naval mission “Aspides” to protect against “the direct threat to the freedom of navigation” in critical waterways. This mirrors broader efforts to enhance the EU’s border management, including through increased investment in surveillance technologies and the militarization of frontiers.

The President’s vision for a more assertive EU security posture extends beyond traditional military domains, encompassing emerging threats such as cyber and hybrid attacks. Von der Leyen has called for a comprehensive approach to “de-risking” the EU, including the elimination of “hostile actors” from critical infrastructure and the reduction of strategic dependencies in key areas like energy and technology.

Von der Leyen’s Vision for the EU

At the heart of von der Leyen’s agenda is the notion of “European sovereignty,” which she defines as the EU’s ability and willingness to defend its own interests and values. This includes strengthening the bloc’s defense capabilities, reducing strategic dependencies, and enhancing its global influence.

Strengthening the EU’s Military Capabilities

The President has praised the progress made in recent years, with member states increasing their defense budgets by 20% and more countries meeting the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defense. She has called for further “turbocharging” of the EU’s defense industrial base, including through joint procurement and the development of “next generation” military technologies.

Securing EU’s External Borders

Von der Leyen’s focus on border security reflects a desire to protect the EU’s external frontiers from a range of threats, from migrant flows to maritime security challenges. The launch of the “Aspides” naval mission is seen as a tangible step towards this goal, as the EU seeks to assert its control over critical waterways.

Addressing Emerging Security Challenges

The President’s emphasis on “de-risking” the EU underscores the bloc’s growing concerns about hybrid threats, cyber attacks, and strategic dependencies that could be exploited by hostile actors. This agenda aims to bolster the EU’s resilience and reduce vulnerabilities in the face of an increasingly complex security landscape.

Implications for EU Foreign Policy

Von der Leyen’s vision for a more militarily capable and geopolitically assertive EU has significant implications for the bloc’s foreign policy and its relationships with key partners and rivals.

Increased Geopolitical Influence

By strengthening its defense capabilities and reducing strategic dependencies, the EU is positioning itself to wield greater influence on the global stage. This could translate into a more proactive and assertive foreign policy, as the bloc seeks to protect its interests and values in an increasingly competitive world.

Changing Transatlantic Dynamics

The EU’s push for strategic autonomy and military self-reliance may have implications for its relationship with the United States. While von der Leyen has stressed that European sovereignty will “never affect the importance and the need for our NATO alliance,” there are concerns that the EU’s ambitions could create tensions within the transatlantic partnership.

Concerns over Militarization

Some observers have raised concerns about the potential for the EU’s defense and security agenda to contribute to a broader militarization of the continent. There are debates around the appropriate balance between defense spending and investment in social welfare, as well as the impact of increased military activities on civil liberties and the environment.

Debates and Controversies

The President’s vision for a more militarily capable and security-focused EU has sparked a range of debates and controversies, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of these issues.

Balancing Defense and Social Spending

One of the key points of contention is the appropriate balance between defense spending and investment in areas such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. Critics argue that the emphasis on military capabilities could come at the expense of addressing pressing social and economic challenges facing EU citizens.

Civil Liberties and Human Rights

Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact of increased border securitization and militarization on civil liberties and human rights. There are fears that the EU’s focus on “de-risking” could lead to the erosion of democratic norms and the violation of fundamental freedoms.

Environmental Impact of Militarization

The environmental impact of the EU’s defense and security agenda has also been a subject of debate. The production, use, and disposal of military equipment and infrastructure can have significant environmental consequences, raising questions about the sustainability of the bloc’s security policies.

As the EU navigates this complex landscape, the debates and controversies surrounding von der Leyen’s vision will continue to shape the bloc’s future trajectory, both in terms of its security posture and its broader geopolitical role.

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