EU unveils defense action plan amid Trump criticism
BRUSSELS - The European Union unveiled plans Wednesday to promote defense cooperation and wiser military spending as US President-elect Donald Trump warns NATO's European allies to start paying their fair share.
The European Commission said the multibillion-euro plan would fund research into areas like encrypted software or robotics and boost investment in joint projects across member states such as drones or helicopters.
It also aims to ease rules restricting defense procurement across borders, improve industry standards and adapt policies like the EU's space program to security priorities.
"Our member states cannot afford to protect their citizens without deeper and better cooperation," European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen told reporters.
The commission says EU countries have cut defense spending by nearly 12 percent in real terms over the last decade but have failed to deepen military cooperation. It says this lack of cooperation is costing 25-100 billion euros ($27-106 billion) each year.
