The latest figures on EU defense spending and investment published by the European Defense Agency (EDA) show a continued downward trend, despite an apparently increased threat from Russia. Overall European Union defense spending has been declining in real terms for eight years. In 2012, total defense spending by member states-excluding Denmark, which has opted out of the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy, and Croatia, which became a member in mid-2013-fell by €1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) to €189.6 billion, a 0.6% drop, to the lowest level since 2006. This represents 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 3.04% of total government spending, also the lowest numbers since 2006.
展开▼
