EU Plans Joint Defence Initiatives Amid Ongoing Threats from Russia
A recent document highlights the challenges posed by a militarized Russia to European security, emphasizing the need for collaborative defense efforts among EU member states, reports 24brussels.
While EU countries are rapidly increasing their defense budgets, much of that spending “remains overwhelmingly national, leading to fragmentation, cost-inflation and lack of interoperability,” the 16-page document states. This fragmentation poses significant risks as the EU grapples with the ongoing threat from Russia.
The European Commission is urging member states to procure weapons cooperatively, aiming for at least 40 percent of defense contracts to be joint purchases by the end of 2027, an increase from less than 20 percent currently. Additionally, the roadmap sets ambitious targets, stipulating that at least 55 percent of arms acquisitions should originate from EU and Ukrainian companies by 2028, escalating to 60 percent by 2030.
Setting Priorities
The document outlines various priorities to address capability gaps within the EU, focusing on nine critical areas: air and missile defense, military mobility, artillery systems, artificial intelligence and cyber security, missile and ammunition production, drones and anti-drone systems, ground combat, and maritime defense. A key component of the plan is the support and arming of Ukraine, which aims to transform the country into a “steel porcupine” capable of deterring Russian aggression.
Furthermore, the roadmap includes timelines for three pivotal projects: the Eastern Flank Watch, designed to integrate ground defense with air defense and counter-drone systems; the European Drone Wall, recently proposed by the Commission to enhance protection for eastern EU nations; and the European Air Shield, which seeks to establish a multi-layered air defense network. Additionally, the Defence Space Shield is planned to secure the bloc’s space assets from potential threats.
