We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
Leaders of the EU have backed new spending plans to boost Europe’s security to protect the continent in these “most dangerous of times”, days after Donald Trump ordered aid for Ukraine to be paused.
The move is aimed at freeing up billions of euros for Europe’s continent’s security after the Oval Office suggested the continent would have to fend for itself in future, and not rely on the support of the United States. The EU’s 27 leaders have agreed to loosen budget restrictions so willing EU countries can increase military spending.
Around 650 billion euros could be freed up as a result, according to estimates from the EU’s executive branch. The move comes days after Trump ordered a pause on US military supplies being sent to Ukraine.
European president Ursula von de Leyen said in a statement: “We are living in the most momentous and dangerous of times. I do not need to describe the grave nature of the threats that we face, or the devastating consequences we will have to endure if those threats would come to pass.
“Because the question is no longer whether Europe’s security is threatened in a very real way. Or whether Europe should shoulder more of the responsibility for its own security. In truth, we have long known the answers to those questions.
“The real question in front of us is whether Europe is prepared to act as decisively as the situation dictates. And whether Europe is ready and able to act with the speed and the ambition that is needed.
“In the various meetings in the last few weeks – most recently two days ago in London – the answer from European capitals has been as resounding as it is clear. We are in an era of rearmament and Europe is ready to massively boost its defence spending.
“Both, to respond to the short-term urgency to act and to support Ukraine but also to address the long-term need to take on much more responsibility for our own European security.”
The deal is in five parts, including providing member states with 150 billion euros in loans for defence investment. Ms von der Leyen added: “This is basically about spending better – and spending together. We are talking about pan-European capability domains.
“For example air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition drones and anti-drone systems – but also to address other needs from cyber to military mobility for example. Member States can massively step up their support to Ukraine.
“So, immediate military equipment for Ukraine. This approach of joint procurement will also reduce costs, reduce fragmentation increase interoperability and strengthen our defence industrial base.
“It can be to the benefit of Ukraine, as I have just described. So this is Europe’s moment, and we must live up to it.”
– This is a breaking news story. Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.
