European Union (EU) countries have about 4 years to strengthen their defense capabilities to deter an attack from outside without US backing, Frederic Vansina, Chief of Staff of the Belgian Army, said.
In an interview with Le Soir this week, Mr. Vansina admitted that the world is "going through the most unstable period since the end of the Cold War... with all sides armed to the teeth".
Mr. Vansina emphasized the need to rearm Europe in the next few years, saying that Ukraine is "buying time for us", and "that is why we strongly support them".
According to this general, the target is 2030. "By that time, we hope the Ukraine conflict will end," he said.
He said that by 2030, the EU must have enough capacity to affirm that, even without the Americans, outside forces "cannot win a war with Europe".
Mr. Vansina said that Europe's complete strategic autonomy can be achieved by 2035, but only if the defense budget continues to increase beyond the current 2% of GDP.
The statement was made amid growing rifts between the US and other NATO members. US President Donald Trump has asked European allies to increase military spending sharply, arguing that members should take primary responsibility for their own defense. Disagreements have also increased as Europe refuses to support the US in the Iranian conflict.
