European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: “The recent threats have shown that Europe is at risk. We have to protect every citizen and square centimetre of our territory.” She added: “And Europe must respond with unity, solidarity and determination. Today’s Defence Roadmap presents a clear plan with shared goals and concrete milestones on our path to 2030.”
The plan proposes four major European Readiness Flagships: the European Drone Defence Initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch, the European Air Shield, and the European Space Shield. According to von der Leyen, “This will strengthen our defence industries, accelerate production and maintain our long-standing support to Ukraine.”
Today, we lay out Europe’s Defence Roadmap.
With clear objectives, European Flagships, and milestones on the path to 2030.
A strong, resilient and innovative EU defence industry will deliver the capabilities Europe needs.
Our work continues at the European Council next week.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 16, 2025
The roadmap aims to help Member States close capability gaps and invest in areas where joint action adds the most value. These initiatives also contribute directly to NATO capability targets, enhancing Europe’s ability to deter and respond across land, air, sea, cyber, and space.
Nine Capability Coalitions are also a central part of the plan, calling on Member States to cooperate in areas such as air and missile defence, artillery systems, cyber and AI, drones, and maritime operations. These coalitions are designed to ensure rapid joint development and procurement in critical areas.
Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends.
We need to toughen our defences against Russia.The Defence Readiness Roadmap outlines our plan to fill capability gaps with clear goals and timelines.
My press remarks with @HennaVirkkunen and @KubiliusA ↓ pic.twitter.com/DCTtmbPr2C
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) October 16, 2025
The roadmap highlights the need for a strong and technologically advanced European defence industry capable of producing necessary capabilities at scale and speed. It emphasises innovation, including Ukrainian-developed solutions, and calls for reduced dependency on critical raw materials and inputs.
To support industrial capacity, the plan envisions a simplified and integrated European defence equipment market by 2030. The Commission will monitor capabilities in air and missile defence, drones, and space systems to meet the most urgent needs.
🛡️ The #EUDefence Roadmap is here!
We’re advancing toward Defence Readiness by 2030 with clear goals – enhancing production, procurement, and resource allocation.
Backed by flagship projects, key proposals & strong commitment, delivery starts now!
🔗 https://t.co/Ovp4HTsaKj pic.twitter.com/GAUNvLgm1g
— EU Defence and Space (@defis_eu) October 16, 2025
The roadmap follows up on the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030 and the Commission’s ReArm Europe Plan, which provide Member States with financial tools and flexibility to ramp up investment. It also builds on the activation of the escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loan facility.
One key milestone includes establishing an EU-wide military mobility area by 2027 with harmonised rules and a comprehensive transport network. Developed in close coordination with NATO, this will enable faster movement of troops and equipment across the EU in times of crisis.
The Commission and the High Representative will present the roadmap, including the flagship initiatives, to the European Council as the EU moves to translate plans into action and reinforce its commitment to security and collective defence.
Source: European Commission.
