Summary

Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s nominee for Defense Commissioner, emphasized the need for increased European defense spending in response to Russian threats, rather than demands from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

At his confirmation hearing, Kubilius noted that Europe has boosted defense budgets since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

He stressed that intelligence suggests Russia could test EU or NATO resolve by the end of the decade, making enhanced military readiness essential for deterrence.

  • FlashMobOfOne
    link
    English
    3917 days ago

    As much as I hate to hear about war spending increasing planet-wide, it’s definitely dawning on our allies that depending on the US for protection and support is no longer a tenable position. It might turn out to be a good thing that more countries develop a modern military apparatus, though, particularly as there are several Putin-type heads of state in the world.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      1116 days ago

      Honestly. No country should have the military spending that the US does. It’s too much power in one place. I understand the cold war made it necessary though.

      • FenrirIII
        link
        English
        113 days ago

        The military spending in the US is all about wealth transfer. The rich make money off military spending (tax dollars) AND the boondoggles our military is engaged in (usually in the interests of the elites).

    • @FelixCress
      link
      English
      816 days ago

      particularly as there are several Putin-type heads of state in the world

      One has even been recently elected, just not as cunning and rather more stupid.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      717 days ago

      More nuclear warheads as well. Not saying that’s a good thing, but it seems to be the only real deterrent.

      • FlashMobOfOne
        link
        English
        -916 days ago

        I keep hoping someone will slip a nuke or two to Palestine so that whole business can be stopped, but I don’t think it’ll ever happen.

    • d00phy
      link
      English
      517 days ago

      Came here to say the exact same thing.

      • FlashMobOfOne
        link
        English
        717 days ago

        Yeah, our Kurdish allies learned the hard way not to depend on US support during Trump’s first term, and honestly, I’d love it if he pulls our country out of more wars, even if he does it for the wrong reasons. I’ve never supported the US being the policemen of the world.

        • @[email protected]
          link
          fedilink
          English
          116 days ago

          The US isn’t in anything right now. It’s deployed (it always is), but not in active hostilities.

          (Unless I’m missing something in Central or South America)

          • Skua
            link
            fedilink
            216 days ago

            The US military is currently directly involved in fighting in Yemen and Somalia. It’s relatively small-scale, but it is happening

          • FlashMobOfOne
            link
            English
            116 days ago

            I mean, that we know of.

            Clinton was fairly brilliant in branding his wars as ‘peacekeeping actions’ and Obama rebranded civilians as ‘enemy combatants’, so while yes it may be unofficial, we’re still essentially at war everywhere.

              • FlashMobOfOne
                link
                English
                116 days ago

                That’s a good question, I think.

                I know most people don’t, but I consume a few foreign news sources myself. It helps to lend a broader perspective on US governance, and with the US press running cover for fascists, it’s an increasingly valuable way to learn more about US events.