The EU executive’s newly released White Paper identifies the EUR 2 billion project as a key initiative to address growing security challenges in the region.
The White Paper addresses Europe’s defense challenges, emphasizing the need for rapid rearmament and preparation for worst-case scenarios.
The Commission stressed the importance of strengthening the EU's external borders, particularly with Russia and Belarus, to counter military and hybrid threats.
The "Eastern Shield" project, backed by several EU countries, was described as "a noteworthy exercise by a number of member states" on the bloc's eastern border "to confront the growing challenges in that region."
Inclusion in the White Paper does not guarantee EU funding, but it opens the door for potential financial support, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
The White Paper does not finalize any specific projects or list proposals. Member states now have six months to submit their defense projects for evaluation by the Commission.
Funding for EU defense investments, including boosting Europe's defense industry, will come from a EUR 150 billion fund offering low-interest loans to member states.
This fund is a key part of the EU's plan to enhance defense capabilities, detailed by the Commission on Wednesday.
(mp/gs)
Source: IAR/PAP/X/@kajakallas/@defis_eu/@KubiliusA/ec.europa.eu