In March, the European Union approved the ReArm Europe Plan, aimed at increasing defence investment within the territory of the European Community. The expenditure of this plan, which amounts to EUR 800 billion, demonstrates European leaders’ concern for defence in the long term. In addition to increasing defence investment, there is a need to increase the available defence instruments, with the aim of having a strong Community defence and to arrive at the establishment of a Common European Army as soon as possible. The creation of the Common European Army has been at the centre of discussions since 1951, when the ECSC, the first step towards the creation of the European Union, was founded. The former Prime Minister, Alcide De Gasperi, together with other European colleagues, had stressed the importance of a common defence.

Criticism; what is there to discuss?

The ReArm Europe and Common European Defence project continues to raise much discussion and controversy, despite the fact that it is a measure based on the security of the European Union and individual member states. One of the main discussions focuses on the figure, EUR 800 billion. Since this figure is high, concerns about possible cuts in other areas increase, but it has already been specified that no cuts will be made in other situations. For example, no resources will be taken away from the health sector, which needs continuous funding, in order to have stronger, broader and more competitive research.

Why is ReArm Europe important?

ReArm Europe is important because it is right that the European Community has a large number of defence resources at its disposal. Currently, the resources available are not equal to those of China, Russia and the United States of America. Defence is at the top of the list and it is right that it should be the subject of constant attention and constant upgrading. Having a large number of armaments, military means and other security-related materials at our disposal ensures maximum stability. The importance of Common Defence also concerns protection against cyber attacks, which have become much more frequent in recent years, given technological developments and the advent of Artificial Intelligence, which will also be very useful for the armed forces (which have already invested heavily in the metaverse). ReArm Europe is defence, efficiency and security.