EU defence roadmap focuses on Eastern border security and counter-drone network
The European Commission will unveil its Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 on Thursday. The plan responds to a “militarised Russia” and a shifting US focus away from Europe. Top priorities include a continent-wide drone defense network and stronger protection of the bloc's eastern flank.
A leaked copy of the plan, first reported by Bloomberg, identifies nine critical capability gaps, including air and missile defense, mobility, artillery, drones, cyber and maritime systems. It also calls for Ukraine to be heavily armed and integrated into Europe’s defense ecosystem as a “steel porcupine” capable of deterring Russia.
The plan outlines three key projects: the Eastern Flank Watch, which will integrate ground defence systems with air defence and counter-drone systems; a multi-layered air defence system named the European Air Shield; and a Defence Space Shield that should protect the bloc's space assets.
The Commission estimates that up to 800 billion euros could be mobilised for these plans, drawing from several EU programmes and future budgets, including the SAFE programme and the European Defence Fund. But member states will retain control over their own defence policies, the plan stresses.
The Commission further calls on EU members to invest together in local companies. By the end of 2027, at least 40 per cent of defence purchases should be made jointly, and by 2030, 55 per cent should come from EU companies. The goal is to reduce fragmentation, cut costs and boost Europe’s defense industry.
"Europe’s defence posture and capabilities must be ready for the battlefields of tomorrow"
"Authoritarian states increasingly seek to interfere in our societies and economies," the leaked draft states. "Europe’s defence posture and capabilities must be ready for the battlefields of tomorrow."
EU leaders will discuss the roadmap next week. To ensure Europe can defend itself independently within five years, the Commission hopes for the plans to be approved by the end of 2025. Major projects should begin by 2026, with funding and contracts in place by 2028.
© PHOTO JANEK SKARZYNSKI / AFP
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