The European Commission has presented a plan to strengthen the defense capabilities of EU member states – the “Roadmap for Peacekeeping – Defense Readiness by 2030”. The document provides for investments of 6.8 trillion euros. The plan also includes the integration of the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex. This was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative Kaia Kallas.
“Europe is under threat, so every citizen and every square centimeter of territory must be protected; the response must be unified, united and decisive. The defense roadmap contains a clear plan with goals until 2030 and four flagships: the drone defense initiative, the Eastern Flank Surveillance, the European Air Shield and the Space Shield; this will strengthen the defense industry, accelerate production and strengthen support for Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen said during the presentation.
The document specifically mentions Ukraine – the EU plans to integrate its defense industrial sector into the European one.
Key steps:
- By the end of 2025 – adoption of the Instrument for Support to Ukraine within the EDIP and the “Reparation Loan” with annual assistance.
- By the end of 2025, implement the initiative of Kai Kallas to transfer 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine.
- By the first quarter of 2026, join Ukraine in the coalitions on capabilities and launch the EU-Ukraine drone alliance.
- By the first quarter of 2026, assess additional incentives for supporting Ukraine, depending on SAFE contributions.
- By the first quarter of 2026, propose ways to accelerate military assistance from Member States.
- By the end of 2026, launch the “Brave Tech EU” programme, with funding for testing new technologies identified jointly with Ukraine.
- Continue the work of EUMAM and support the “Coalition of the Willing” under favorable conditions.
“Ukraine remains Europe’s first line of defense. That is why security guarantees for Ukraine are also part of the “roadmap”. The strongest security guarantee is a strong Ukrainian defense industry and a strong Ukrainian army. Therefore, we are also setting milestones here, including the creation of an alliance with Ukraine in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles by the beginning of next year”, – Kaia Kallas emphasized.
She explained that the European Defense Agency will play a key role in the integration of the “roadmap”. The member states will determine the procurement of defense weapons independently. Separately, the EU plans to strengthen the air defense system, in particular, countering Russian drone attacks, by 2028.
