Editorial

17:12 JST, April 19, 2025

Europe has embarked on strengthening its own defense capabilities. Given that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has shown reluctance to defend Europe, it can be seen as a realistic response in preparation for the threat from Russia.

The European Union has announced the ReArm Europe Plan, which aims to secure €800 billion (about ¥128 trillion) in defense spending over the next four years. The plan calls for each EU member state to increase its defense spending by 1.5% of its gross domestic product and invest in the defense industry.

Among the member states, Germany has amended the Basic Law, which is its constitution, to allow it to boost defense spending by relaxing the rule that limits the fiscal deficit to below 0.35% of the GDP. This is a historic shift from a focus on fiscal........

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