Europe needs 'decisive change' in defence efforts to face Russia threat, EU agency says
ITA•The European Defence Agency said the EU is not rearming quickly or effectively enough to meet its goal of being ready to defend against Russia by 2030. Current plans do not seem to close gaps in air and missile defence, ground combat, naval forces, munitions and drones.
1. Readiness gaps remain
The European Defence Agency said current plans do not seem to meet the EU’s 2030 defence readiness goal, despite progress in spending, capability development and industrial readiness. The report said increased investment has not yet produced sufficiently deployable, sustainable and interoperable forces, and that critical capability gaps remain.
2. Ministers to discuss report
EU defence ministers are expected to discuss the report in Brussels on Monday before it goes to the bloc’s leaders. The 27 EU countries set the 2030 goal last year, citing concerns about Russia’s war in Ukraine and calls for Europe to do more for its own security.
