Local time on December 4th, data released by the European Defence Agency shows that the total defense spending of EU countries is expected to increase to 326 billion euros in 2024, equivalent to 1.9% of the EU's GDP, reaching a record level. This also marks the 10th consecutive year of growth in EU defense spending. The data indicates that in 2023, the total defense spending of EU countries was around 279 billion euros, a 10% increase from 2022, marking the ninth consecutive year of growth in defense spending totals. It is projected that the total defense spending of EU countries will further increase by 17% in 2024, reaching 326 billion euros. The European Defence Agency states that the reason for this ongoing growth is that EU countries are all seeking to enhance their defense capabilities in response to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the general concerns about long-term defense security. (CCTV News)