Brussels: Some European countries have decided to cut back on their humanitarian aid budgets in order to prioritize defense spending, according to Pierre Krahenbuhl, Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Krahenbuhl highlighted these developments during a conversation with Le Temps, revealing that the United States is not alone in making such fiscal shifts.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Krahenbuhl emphasized that the reallocation of funds has placed humanitarian activities in a precarious situation, especially with a growing number of global conflicts. The reduction in aid comes at a time when some traditional donors are withdrawing their support, exacerbating the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations.

On March 19, the European Commission announced a new defense strategy known as ReArm Europe, later renamed “Readiness 2030” following objections from several EU countries. This strategy aims to allocate approximately 800 billion euros over the next four years to bolster EU defense capabilities and supply Ukraine with weapons. The financing plan proposes that around 650 billion euros will come from the budgets of European states, while an additional 150 billion euros will be obtained through loans.

The European Commission intends to offer budgetary concessions to EU countries and divert funds earmarked for regional development to military spending. The Readiness 2030 strategy calls for a 1.5% increase in GDP defense spending among EU member states.

Meanwhile, Russia has observed increased NATO activity near its western borders, which it interprets as an effort to counter a perceived Russian threat. The Russian Foreign Ministry has reiterated Moscow’s willingness to engage in dialogue with NATO, provided it occurs on equal terms and with the West abandoning efforts to militarize the region.