EU's €326 billion defense bill sparks outrage amid soaring poverty

EU military funding over social spending. (File Image)

In 2024, the European Union spent an incredible €326 billion on weapons and military hardware, and that figure excludes additional spending by the 23 EU countries that are also members of NATO.

Even greater profits for arms manufacturers are forecast in the EU's upcoming long term budget for 2028 to 2034.

• EU's long-term budget sparks fierce backlash 
  

  EU's long-term budget sparks fierce backlash

  The European Union’s proposed long-term budget totalling two trillion euro has been unveiled .

We are proposing €131 billion for the Defense and Space window within the competitiveness fund.

That is five times what we have today.

Ursula von der Leyen, EU President

According to the EU's own data, a staggering 93 million people across the block are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads.

• Economic challenges of poverty stricken EU 
  

  Economic challenges of poverty stricken EU

  The EU faces significant economic challenges, with over 93 million people at risk of poverty, including 8% of employed workers, many of whom are women.

Campaigners say it is unfathomable that political leaders continue to prioritize military spending in the face of such widespread hardship.

The European Parliament saw bursts of applause on Wednesday evening, not for the budget plan itself, but for the dozens of lawmakers who criticized it.

It seems to be based on the objectives of multinational companies, for example, the military industry.

Other areas have been withdrawn to focus on military objectives.

What about the social and economic problems that are facing poor people?

Joao Oliveira, Portuguese MEP

• EU 'ready' to double support for Kiev by buying Ukraine-made weapons 
  

  EU 'ready' to double support for Kiev by buying Ukraine-made weapons: Official

  The European Commissioner for Defense Industry and Space says buying weapons for Ukraine from local manufacturers can double their volume.

The draft budget also sets aside an additional €100 billion for Ukraine.

Critics argue that war was provoked by the US-led NATO Alliance, and that cutting off Russia's cheap gas in response has pushed up living costs, leaving EU citizens to pay the price.

So my feeling right now as living in an age, in the center of Europe, from Belgium, I mean, we are in a some point of difficult at the moment, because we don't know what is the future for us, for our kids, for the young generation.

EU citizen

• Record poverty amid record military spending in EU 
  

  Record poverty amid record military spending in EU

  The EU spends a record amount of money on deadly weapons for Ukraine, despite growing poverty and homelessness affecting more than one in five within the bloc.

Affordable housing remains out of reach for many young adults in the EU and a rising number of people are completely homeless, even those in full time work are barely scraping by while there seems to be no end of cash for the arms industry.

• EU accused of prioritizing war over citizens' needs 
  

  EU accused of prioritizing war over citizens' needs

  Lawmakers and campaigners accuse European Union leaders of prioritizing military spending over the pressing needs of their citizens.

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