The European Commission warned Wednesday that the European Union’s 2030 defense readiness goal is at risk despite rising military spending, as member states still face significant capability gaps.
The warning appears in the Commission’s 2027 work programme, published Nov. 4. The European Defence Agency (EDA) said the EU’s 27 members spent €418 billion on defense in 2025, equivalent to 2.2% of the bloc’s gross domestic product. The agency forecasts €454 billion in spending for 2026.
Equipment procurement totaled €115 billion in 2025, but collaborative purchases accounted for 24% of that spending, the EDA said. EU leaders have argued that common requirements and larger joint orders could lower costs, give manufacturers more predictable demand and help national forces operate together.
EU High Representative and EDA head Kaja Kallas said in September that increased investment had not closed significant capability gaps. The agency’s first annual defense readiness report identifies remaining gaps, but the report is intended for government use and has not been released publicly.
The Commission outlined plans for a European Instrument for Strategic Enablers covering support capabilities including strategic transport, air-to-air refueling, space and cyber defense. It also outlined plans for a European Security Emergency Protocol to coordinate a response when a member state faces a direct and credible threat. The published work programme and its initiative list give neither measure a budget or delivery date.
The Commission has also opened a second €21.3 billion defense loan round for member states under Security Action for Europe (SAFE). In its Oct. 29 announcement, the Commission said the financing was intended for urgent defense needs and encouraged governments to include joint procurement with Ukraine in their investment plans.
In conclusions adopted Oct. 16, EU leaders called for more common requirements and joint procurement. They asked lawmakers to agree on a military mobility proposal by the end of 2026.
