In light of ongoing concerns over Russian aggression, the new EU Defense Commissioner, Andreas Kublikuls, announced plans for increased defense spending across Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for Europe to not rely solely on U.S. support for its security. A recent report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies highlighted shortages in European military personnel and capabilities, despite a significant 50% increase in NATO countries’ defense budgets since Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The report calls for European nations to bolster their defense efforts to ensure security moving forward.