Urgent Call for Increased European Defence Spending Amid Ongoing Threats

David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, emphasized the urgent need for greater defense spending by the UK and EU countries during the Munich Security Conference. He highlighted the persistent threat from Russia, stating that even a negotiated peace in Ukraine would not eliminate the risks posed by Putin. Lammy pointed to the fact that while 23 NATO countries are now spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense, they must collectively increase their efforts to safeguard Europe’s security. The UK has pledged to raise its spending to 2.5% of GDP and plans to outline a strategy to achieve this.

Adding to the discussion, US Vice-President JD Vance noted that the biggest threat facing Europe is not external but internal, urging European governments to adhere to their core values amidst challenges like migration and free speech. Lammy criticized the historic reluctance of NATO members to bolster defense budgets, particularly since Russia’s first aggression in Ukraine back in 2014. He underscored the importance of unity and collective action across Europe to support Ukraine, pointing out that only a tiny fraction of GDP is currently being allocated to this vital effort.

Furthermore, Lammy, alongside Defense Secretary John Healey, indicated that the UK has committed an additional £150 million towards military aid for Ukraine alongside new sanctions aimed at Putin’s allies, reinforcing the position that strength is necessary in response to aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at the conference about the need for an ‘army of Europe’ to secure the continent, advocating for a unified European defense approach.

Experts suggested substantial military deployments may be necessary for peacekeeping in Ukraine, with estimates indicating a need for around 100,000 troops. Discussions around increasing national defense budgets and the need for collaborative security guarantees were prominent, with Lammy suggesting that long-term partnerships, like the UK’s newly signed century-long pact with Ukraine, could provide crucial guarantees and bolster European security.