The European Union has unveiled a new plan to strengthen the bloc's defense industry in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The European Commission, the EU's executive body, on Tuesday released its first ever defense industry strategy and a new defense industry program to enhance Europe's readiness and security.

The plan calls on member states to procure at least 40 percent of defense equipment together in a "collaborative manner" by 2030.

It also says EU countries should aim to spend at least 50 percent their new defense procurement budgets within the bloc by the same year.

The EU says it will mobilize 1.5 billion euros, or about 1.6 billion dollars, of its budget over 2025 to 2027.

The plan also calls for the setting up of an office in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in order to develop technology and promote cooperation between Ukraine's military and businesses, and EU firms.

EU member nations had been reducing investment in the defense sector since the end of the Cold War.

Former US President Donald Trump has been expressing concern that European military spending is insufficient. Trump is currently leading the Super Tuesday Republican primary contests, bringing him closer to becoming his party's presidential nominee in November's election.

European Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager said on Tuesday that EU member nations must take more responsibility for their own security "irrespective of the election dynamics" in the United States. She stressed the importance of the EU having its own defense strategy.