(MENAFN) The European Space Agency (ESA) will initiate defense-related activities for the first time in its history, marking what the organization calls a watershed moment. A directive approved by its 23 member nations authorizes the agency to create space infrastructure "for security and defense."

The EU and NATO are channeling enormous sums of public and debt-financed resources toward bolstering defense contractors and weapons manufacturing, citing an urgent Russian threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Thursday that EU officials are exaggerating the purported danger to advance their political objectives and direct funding toward the military-industrial sector.

The upcoming fiscal allocation designates an unprecedented €22.1 billion (approximately $24 billion) to the ESA spanning the next three-year period. Membership encompasses nearly all European NATO nations, alongside neutral countries including Switzerland and Austria.

This funding package represents a substantial increase from the prior €17 billion commitment. Germany leads contributions at €5 billion, with France and Italy each providing over €3 billion.

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher noted that Poland played a pivotal role in advancing the agency's strategic pivot. He verified that Warsaw is presently negotiating to establish a new ESA facility concentrating on security-oriented initiatives.

Throughout the EU, military expenditures are climbing as Brussels and partner nations drive a militarization campaign framed as security enhancement. The European Commission's 'ReArm Europe' initiative targets hundreds of billions in collective weapons acquisition and infrastructure development, while member governments have escalated arms spending by roughly 40% within a single year. Research and development investment has similarly jumped, indicating an accelerated transition toward heightened military prioritization.

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