Defence spending in the European Union. Evolution and perspectives

After decades of peace, Europe’s security landscape shifted in 2022, prompting increased and more coordinated EU defence spending. This work explores two main issues: the potential growth effects of upcoming defence expenditures and the distribution of spending responsibilities within the EU’s multi-level governance. While the literature remains inconclusive on growth impacts, a shift from personnel costs toward investment may be more growth-friendly. Recent institutional developments reflect a gradual convergence of defence and foreign policy goals, raising key questions about how far this alignment will progress and whether it will lead to greater integration in the EU’s common budget.