The European Defence Agency says EU members are not rearming fast or effectively enough to be ready to defend against Russia by 2030; their plans do not appear to close gaps in air and missile defence, ground combat, naval forces, munitions and drones.
The agency’s first annual Defence Readiness Report records progress in spending, capability development and industrial readiness, with deeper partnerships, particularly with Ukraine. But it says the investment has not produced forces that are sufficiently deployable, sustainable and interoperable, and critical gaps remain.
EU defence ministers are expected to discuss the report in Brussels on Monday before it goes to EU leaders. Russia denies intending to attack an EU member; EU leaders have rejected that assertion, noting Moscow made similar statements before its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
