Europe faces a clear call to strengthen its defense investments. On Monday, Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, urged Brussels to expand military capacity to sharpen the bloc’s global standing. He argued that if Europe wants to be a power, it must be ready to intervene militarily when required.
During a Barcelona meeting with 38 Cercle d’Economia, the Spanish diplomat pressed Brussels to increase military aid to Ukraine so Kyiv can defend itself in the ongoing conflict after Russia’s invasion. He noted that electoral success cannot hinge on slogans about spending, yet acknowledged that the world is dangerous and continued support for Ukraine is essential to keep the war from intensifying. This line of thinking has shaped his public remarks and policy outlook, reflecting a broader debate across European capitals.
When asked by Pol Morillas, a political scientist and director at CIDOB Europe, about the prospects for progress in the Ukraine war and its summer negotiations, Borrell admitted there is reason for cautious skepticism. His comments underscore the tension between immediate military support and longer-term diplomatic strategy in the EU’s approach to the crisis.
“We took too long”
In his remarks, Borrell hinted at the need to accelerate weapons deliveries to Kyiv. He welcomed steps such as the planned deployment of advanced F-16 fighters, a notable shift from the period following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. The EU has moved to arm Ukraine more directly, though the pace and scope of this support remain topics of intense debate among member states. He offered a candid self-critique about past delays, noting that important actions sometimes lagged behind what many observers had long argued should happen, including the provision of armored vehicles and missile defense systems.
From a broader perspective, the war has driven up the cost of European defense commitments. The conflict has required hundreds of billions of euros in support and modernization. Specifically, the war has prompted European governments to mobilize substantial funds to mitigate the impact on their citizens facing higher food and energy prices, with aid packages and economic relief filtering through national budgets. Looking ahead, European armed forces are projected to invest roughly tens of billions of euros in modernization in the coming years as they adapt to changing security needs, new technologies, and evolving strategic priorities.
Beyond the battlefield, Borrell stressed the importance of reinforcing diplomatic ties with Latin America. He warned that without a robust and credible relationship with that region, Europe could lose influence to others who seek to shape its foreign agenda. The message is clear: security policy is inseparable from diplomatic diplomacy, and steady engagement with diverse regions remains central to the EU’s strategy for global stability.