欧盟大手笔升级防务，前景如何？（环球热点）

Core Insights - The European Union's defense spending reached a record €343 billion ($402 billion) in the previous year, exceeding expectations, with projections to rise to €381 billion by 2025 [1][2][3] - The increase in defense spending is driven by the ongoing Ukraine crisis, perceived security threats from Russia, and reduced military commitments from the United States [2][3][4] Group 1: Factors Driving Increased Defense Spending - The EU aims to address not only the immediate risks from the Ukraine crisis and Russian threats but also to achieve long-term geopolitical transformation through sustained military spending [2][3] - In 2024, defense spending growth surpassed the European Defense Agency's expectations by €17 billion, with all EU member states, except Portugal and Ireland, increasing their defense budgets [2][3] - The EU's "Ready for 2030" white paper emphasizes investment in defense industries and joint procurement to enhance military capabilities by 2030 [2][3] Group 2: Allocation of Defense Spending - The primary focus of EU defense spending includes short-term stock replenishment, mid-term research and development, and long-term military structural transformation [4][6] - Equipment procurement increased by 39% year-on-year, while research and development spending grew by 20% [5][6] - The EU's military spending is expected to stimulate the defense industry, although some economists caution that initial benefits to the economy may be limited [5][6] Group 3: Challenges and Integration Issues - The EU faces significant integration challenges in defense restructuring, requiring unified intentions and the consolidation of resources and capabilities among member states [7][8] - The reliance on the U.S. for military support complicates the EU's goal of achieving defense autonomy, with 64% of weapons imported by NATO European members coming from the U.S. [9][11] - The lack of a cohesive understanding of security threats among EU member states hinders the establishment of a unified defense strategy [11][12]