Bangladesh, March 5 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled an ambitious proposal for European Union (EU) member states to invest approximately $840 billion in defense, more than double the blocs total defense expenditure in 2024. The announcement underscores a dramatic shift in Europes strategic priorities, as security concerns mount amid geopolitical tensions and a shifting transatlantic security dynamic.

Speaking on March 4, von der Leyen described the current period as the “most dangerous of times,” emphasizing the “grave” threats facing the EU. Her proposed ‘ReArm Europe Plan is designed to bolster the blocs military capabilities in response to what she sees as an increasingly...