Publication of the first White Paper on European defence

The White Paper notes that Russia will have spent up to 9% of its GDP on defense by 2024 as it continues the campaign. military The document asserted that Moscow would continue to expand its wartime economy, while arguing that Russia would remain the fundamental threat to European security for some time to come.

The White Paper acknowledges that, for decades, EU defence investment has been insufficient, and notes that the US has pushed Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense.

The White Paper proposes that member states should focus on seven priority areas, including air and missile defence, to counter threats such as cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The White Paper also suggests that the EU should seek opportunities for defence industrial cooperation with partners in the Indo-Thai Ocean. The PacificEspecially Japan.

Speaking to the press, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said: "There is no Cold War now, but there is a hot war on European soil and the threat exists".