In 2023, the total expenditure of EU governments on defence reached \u20ac227 billion, accounting for 2.7% of total government spending across the bloc.<\/h2>\n
This figure represents 1.3% of the EU\u2019s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reflecting an increase in the share of total government spending dedicated to defence compared to previous years.<\/p>\n
According to Eurostat<\/a> data on general government expenditure by function (COFOG), the proportion of government expenditure allocated to defence has fluctuated over the years. In 1995, it stood at 3.0% of total spending before gradually declining. However, recent geopolitical tensions have prompted a renewed focus on defence, leading to an increase from 2.4% in 2021 to 2.5% in 2022, and reaching 2.7% in 2023.<\/p>\n Among EU member states, Latvia recorded the highest defence spending relative to GDP, at 3.1%. Estonia followed with 2.7%, Lithuania at 2.5%, and Greece ranked fourth with defence spending amounting to 2.2% of its GDP. Other notable spenders included Poland (2.1%), Cyprus and Hungary (both at 1.9%), as well as France, Denmark, and Sweden, each allocating 1.8% of GDP to defence.<\/p>\n On the other end of the spectrum, Ireland registered the lowest defence expenditure at just 0.2% of GDP, followed by Malta (0.4%), and Luxembourg and Austria (both at 0.6%).<\/p>\n Greece\u2019s position among the highest defence spenders in the EU highlights the country\u2019s longstanding commitment to national security, particularly in a region marked by geopolitical sensitivities. As the EU collectively increases its focus on defence, expenditure trends indicate a growing priority on military preparedness and security investments across the continent.<\/p>\n Read more: Eurostat Reports<\/p>\n (Source: Eurostat)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nGreece Among the Top EU Defence Spenders<\/h3>\n
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