EU white paper aimed at building military strength 'unlikely' to boost Ireland

The European Commission launched its first white paper for European defence on Wednesday, including schemes to raise €800bn through loans and debt to assist EU countries acquire defence equipment.

The publication of an EU defence white paper aimed at building up military strength to fend off Russian aggression is unlikely to help Ireland acquire basic defence capabilities, leading experts have said.

Security academics said that, although the Defence Forces face “substantial and well-documented gaps”, Ireland is “at the end” of a frantic European queue for military equipment and supplies.