'If Europe Is to Survive, It Must Be Armed'

The European Union has been urged to enhance its defense spending and security measures amid fears that reliance on the United States could be misplaced. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the need for the 27-nation bloc to focus on self-reliance, emphasizing, "If Europe is to survive, it must be armed." Tusk cautioned against depending on US President Trump, who may negotiate terms with Russia that aren't favorable to Ukraine or delay defense for non-compliant EU allies.

Tusk suggested EU members match Poland's substantial defense budget, which nears 5% of its GDP, the highest within NATO. He stated that increased defense spending is required "not forever and ever," but at least until Russia backs down. Echoing these sentiments, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned of continued Russian threats through acts like sabotage and electronic warfare, stressing, "We are running out of time."

With Russia's defense industry rapidly producing armaments, Kallas underlined the discrepancy in defense spending—Russia at 9% of GDP compared to the EU's average of 1.9%. Her message was clear: Europe's lack of investment sends "a dangerous signal to the aggressor." EU leaders are planning an "informal retreat" near Brussels on Feb. 3. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)