Europe Boosts Defence Amid Potential Trump Return

Europe is significantly increasing its defence investments due to concerns about the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. Trump has previously threatened NATO withdrawal, prompting European nations to boost their defence spending and collaborate with defence-tech startups to enhance security and self-sufficiency.

Europe is ramping up its defence investments to hedge against the potential return of Donald Trump as U.S. President. Investors say Europe's defence spending has surged by 16%, reaching 552 billion euros in 2023, amid Trump's threats of NATO withdrawal and a backdrop of global tensions.

Industry experts and investors underline that Trump's unpredictable policies, along with the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, have driven global military spending to a record $2.4 trillion. In response, the $1.1 billion NATO Innovation Fund has partnered with venture capital firms and startups to enhance European security.

European countries are increasingly investing in drone technology, robotics, and quantum computing. Investors like Herbert Mangesius of Vsquared Ventures emphasize that Trump's threats have pushed Europe to be more self-sufficient in defence. The move is seen as both a necessity and a strategic shift to ensure security independent of U.S. policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)