The European Commission has launched the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, alongside the ReArm Europe Plan, marking a decisive shift in the European Union’s approach to security and defence. These initiatives aim to boost military readiness, close critical capability gaps, and create a stronger European defence industrial base.
Speaking on the urgency of the initiative, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: “The era of the peace dividend is long gone. The security architecture that we relied on can no longer be taken for granted. Europe is ready to step up. We must invest in defence, strengthen our capabilities, and take a proactive approach to security.” The White Paper sets out a clear roadmap for increased defence spending and a more integrated European defence industry, ensuring that Member States collaborate more effectively.
White Paper for European Defence
The White Paper presents solutions to close critical capability gaps and build a strong defence industrial base. It proposes ways for Member States to massively invest in defence, procure defence systems and build up the readiness of the European defence industry over the long run, which is essential for Europe's security. To effectively address these challenges, the White Paper outlines a number of key lines of action:
- Closing capability gaps, with a focus on critical capabilities identified by Member States.
- Supporting the European defence industry through aggregated demand and increased collaborative procurement.
- Supporting Ukraine through increased military assistance and deeper integration of the European and Ukrainian defence industries.
- Deepening the EU-wide defence market including through simplifying regulations.
- Accelerating the transformation of defence through disruptive innovations such as AI and quantum technology.
- Enhancing European readiness for worst-case scenarios, by improving military mobility, stockpiling and strengthening external borders, notably the land border with Russia and Belarus.
- Strengthening partnership with like-minded countries around the world.
The ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030
The ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 provides the financial tools to implement the strategies outlined in the White Paper. It enables Member States to access over €800 billion in defence investment. It also allows Member States to temporarily increase defence spending by activating the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, ensuring compliance with EU fiscal rules while expanding military budgets. A key pillar of the plan is Security Action for Europe (SAFE), a dedicated instrument that will raise up to €150 billion from capital markets. These funds will be available to Member States through competitively priced, long-term loans backed by the EU budget. The instrument enables them to rapidly scale up defence investments through joint procurement from European defence industries, strengthening interoperability, reducing costs, and reinforcing the European defence industrial base.
The White Paper and ReArm Europe Plan signal a major shift in European defence policy, moving towards greater self-sufficiency and readiness in the face of global threats. Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, highlighted the strategic importance of these measures, stating: “This Defence package marks a defining moment for our Union. Europe can no longer afford to be a bystander in its own security. We must take our defence into our own hands, reinforcing our commitments to collective security and standing firm against those who seek to challenge our sovereignty.”
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