Commissioner Andrius Kubilius presented a strategic vision for the EU's defence capabilities in his speech titled "Preserving Peace - Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030." He described the Roadmap as a "revolutionary strategic architectural plan" aiming to establish a "European Defence Dome" by 2030, emphasizing deterrence and peace through enhanced readiness. Kubilius stressed that achieving this will require mobilization of significant financial resources, predominantly from national defence budgets, with projected investments reaching €6.8 trillion by 2035 — half of which will fund real defence.
Moving From Opportunities to Delivery Kubilius positioned the Roadmap as transitioning from setting up financial, legal, and industrial opportunities to the "Delivery stage," involving concrete contracts, production, and procurement with clear deadlines and reporting mechanisms. This represents a shift towards a more assertive EU role in defence capability building, aimed at meeting new NATO targets by 2030, currently estimated at only 50% attainment.
Key Policy Orientations and Cleavages The plan signals increased EU coordination but relies heavily on national spending, reflecting an approach that balances EU integration with respect for national sovereignty in defence matters. It also advocates for greater joint procurement to cut costs by an estimated 30%, and raises the target for defence spending within the European industry from 40% to 55%, indicating a tilt towards strengthening European defence industrial autonomy while potentially increasing regulation and scrutiny on procurement practices.
Stakeholder Impacts Member states and EU defence industries stand to benefit from enhanced funding, modernization, and market opportunities, although with greater obligations to coordinate and report progress. Taxpayers could see positive impacts via cost savings from joint procurement but face heavy financial mobilization demands. NATO partners may welcome closer alignment with capability targets, while civil society could question the expansive defence focus amid wider EU priorities.
In conclusion, Kubilius’ speech outlined a concrete, ambitious plan for EU defence readiness intensity that seeks to deepen cooperation and industry strength, while respecting national roles and demanding substantial investments and delivery accountability by 2030.
← Atlas › News › Defence