EU Approves €800B Defense Plan Amid Tensions

The European Union has approved an €800 billion rearmament plan to strengthen its military capabilities in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. This initiative seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. security and weapons, emphasizing a 'buy European' approach to bolster the EU's defense industry. The plan includes provisions for joint procurement, open to Ukraine and other EU-influenced nations. Political tensions have arisen due to the exclusion of British, American, and Turkish arms companies from a related €150 billion defense fund unless these countries form new security pacts with the EU. France has been a key advocate for this exclusion, causing friction with the UK, while internal disagreements persist, notably with Hungary and Slovakia's opposition to military aid for Ukraine.