In light of recent global political developments, there are plans underway to significantly increase defence spending across the EU. In this context, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, to redirect cohesion policy programmes to support defence-related investments.
Social Platform’s Secretary General, Laura de Bonfils states:
“President von der Leyen’s call to ‘ReArm Europe’ may need €800 billion in defence spending, but redirecting valuable cohesion funds would be a big mistake. Stability in Europe is not just about military spending – it also depends on investment in its people. Cohesion policies are essential for building inclusive, resilient and democratic societies through long-term investments in structural reforms. Diverting these funds would be a significant setback and we strongly urge the European Commission to safeguard them.”
