A Polish MEP has questioned the European Commission on whether the geographical distribution of EU Capability Coalitions is balanced, warning that the eastern flank risks being left behind in closing critical defence gaps. The written question, submitted on 21 April 2026, targets the perceived imbalance in how EU defence funds and collaborative projects are allocated among member states, with potential consequences for security on the Union's eastern border.
The MEP, whose identity is not disclosed in the available text, asks whether the Commission has assessed the regional distribution of Capability Coalitions launched under the European Defence Fund and the European Defence Industrial Strategy. The question implies that current allocations may favour western and southern member states, leaving eastern members with fewer resources to address their specific capability shortfalls.
Concrete asks and policy direction
The question contains specific demands: the MEP requests data on the geographical breakdown of projects and calls for a commitment to prioritise closing critical gaps on the eastern flank. The wording suggests the MEP wants the Commission to adopt a more explicit regional balance criterion in future calls. No numerical targets or deadlines are mentioned, but the question pushes for a policy shift toward strategic prioritisation.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it acknowledges a geographical imbalance and whether it plans corrective measures. A defensive or evasive reply could indicate resistance to redistributing defence funds, while a concrete commitment to review allocation criteria would mark a policy shift toward eastern flank priorities.