Readiness 2030: EU's Strategic Defence Plan Against Russian Threats and Regional Security Challenges

The European Union is projecting approximately $457 billion in defence expenditure this year as security concerns intensify.

Brussels:

On Thursday, European Union leaders officially endorsed a comprehensive defence strategy aimed at ensuring Europe's self-protection capabilities against external threats by 2030, driven by mounting concerns about Russian probing of the bloc's defences.

"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and its repercussions for European and global security in a changing environment constitute an existential challenge," stated EU leaders during their Brussels summit.

The leaders urged member states "to advance on concrete projects to be launched in the first half of 2026" aligned with the newly established Readiness 2030 plan, developed by the European Commission as the EU's executive authority.

A critical priority involves establishing drone defence systems capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing unauthorized drones, following concerning airspace violations across Europe over the past month—particularly near European borders with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

This European Drone Defence Initiative would serve as a fundamental component of the broader Eastern Flank Watch program designed to strengthen defences along Europe's eastern border on land, in the Baltic and Black seas, in airspace, and against hybrid attacks.

EU leaders emphasized that "to respond to the most immediate needs and threats," initial projects should concentrate on developing anti-drone and air defence capabilities while maximizing available EU funding resources.

According to Commission estimates, EU defence spending for the current year will reach approximately 392 billion euros ($457 billion), representing nearly double the amount from four years ago, before Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Projections indicate approximately 3.4 trillion euros ($4 trillion) will likely be allocated to defence over the next decade. In support of this, the Commission plans to propose increasing the EU's long-term budget for defence and space sectors to 131 billion euros ($153 billion).

The overarching objective of the Readiness 2030 initiative is to facilitate member countries determining leadership roles for specific projects and launching these initiatives within the first six months of next year.

By late 2027, at least 40% of military acquisitions would need to be conducted jointly—reducing costs and promoting interoperable weapons systems and standards among member states.

Projects, contracts, and financing concerning "critical capabilities"—such as drones or satellites—would require finalization by the end of 2028, with complete implementation scheduled for completion two years afterward.

Another vital component of the strategy includes providing security guarantees for Ukraine. The leaders underscored "the importance of close cooperation with Ukraine and of its integration with and contribution to the European defence industry."