The European Union is preparing a comprehensive plan aimed at rearming the continent, focusing on launching joint projects for the production of drones and air and missile defense systems by 2026. The relevant document from the European Commission outlines a five-year strategy aimed at strengthening the EU’s defense capabilities and effectively deterring Russia.
This is reported by Business • Media
Priorities of the new EU defense plan
The plan stipulates that by the end of 2027, 40% of defense procurement by member states will be conducted jointly, which is double the current level. The European Commission recommends that participating states coordinate defense spending and form coalitions for the joint implementation of new security projects.
“Militarized Russia will pose a constant threat to the security of Europe in the future,” the document states.
As part of the new strategy, a complete reform of the defense planning and procurement system will be carried out. Work on key programs is planned to begin within the next year, aiming to ensure the EU’s full combat readiness by 2030. A proposal for this initiative will be presented soon, and its discussion will take place at the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels next week.
Coalitions, investments, and key projects
The overall EU defense budget has nearly doubled since 2021 and is expected to reach approximately €392 billion by 2025. At the same time, as noted in the strategy, inconsistencies in spending among countries are slowing down the rearmament process. Among the main priorities are identified: joint programs in air and missile defense, drones and counter-drones, as well as the creation of a “space shield.”
The first coalitions for these projects are planned to be formed at the beginning of 2026, with program launches occurring in the middle of that same year. Notably, among the key initiatives is the European Drone Defence, which takes into account Ukraine’s experience, as well as Eastern Flank Watch. To finance these programs, the EU, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank, will create a special fund of up to €1 billion by 2026. In total, €150 billion has already been allocated for strengthening defense capabilities by 2030, which must be fully utilized within the specified timeframe.