On 16 October 2025, the European Commission presented the EU Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030. Developed in close cooperation with NATO and based on the White Paper for European Defence, the document sets out clear objectives and milestones to strengthen Europe’s defence readiness by 2030. It calls for building coalitions for joint arms production and procurement, boosting innovation across the defence industrial base, and increasing investment in defence.
In particular, the Roadmap outlines nine thematic coalitions for EU member states:
- air and missile defence;
- strategic enablers;
- military mobility;
- artillery systems;
- cyber, AI, electronic warfare;
- missiles and ammunition;
- drones and counter-frones;
- ground combat;
- maritime.
The document also includes a “reparations loan” for Ukraine, to be provided by the end of 2025 and financed through frozen Russian assets. Ukraine will start repaying the loan only after receiving post-war reparations from Russia.
According to NAKO Executive Director Olena Tregub, the Roadmap is a strategic document that effectively marks the EU’s intent “to transform a union of peace into a union of defence.” It formally recognises Russia as a threat to the EU and Ukraine as the first line of defence against Russian aggression.
“These statements may seem symbolic, but their significance cannot be overstated. Not all EU member states and citizens fully understand why Russia’s war against Ukraine is also a European war. The fact that such language appears in an official EU document is extremely important — it will help the European public better grasp the real security challenges,” Tregub said.
The Roadmap highlights four flagship projects: the Drone Defence Initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch, the Air Shield, and the Space Shield. “These initiatives are absolutely essential for Europe’s strategic autonomy in security and defence. At the same time, we must remember that Russia understands how long it will take for Europe to build these capabilities. The question is — will Russia wait for the EU to be ready?” Tregub added.
Photo: Andrius Kubilius