EU leaders in Brussels have given the European Commission the go-ahead for a plan to boost defence spending by up to €800 billion.
The Taoiseach took part in the summit in Brussels. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy was also there.
Micheál Martin welcomed the EU’s aim to “improve its defence and security capabilities”.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, called a “watershed moment for Europe”.
“Europe faces a clear and present danger. And therefore, Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself, and to push for a lasting and just peace.
We want peace through strength. And this is the reason why I present today to the leaders, the ReArm Europe plan. The ReArm Europe plan provides up to €800 billion for defence investment. It gives the Member States fiscal space to invest in defence. It gives the Member States the possibility to invest in the Ukrainian defence industry or to procure military capabilities that go right away to Ukraine. So it is to the benefit of rearming Europe – rearming the European Union but also arming Ukraine in its existential fight for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The defence spending boost comes as Donald Trump makes various threats over Ukraine and Europe.
The EU fears the US – which has underpinned European security since the Second World War – may now pull back.
EU leaders have been talking about boosting defence for a long time.
President Trump has forced them into action.