Although EU member states dedicate significant funds to their defense, a confidential report indicates they are currently failing to close crucial capability gaps. This conclusion stems from an interim report outlining the EU’s aim to be able to defend itself conventionally against a Russian attack by 2030. The report, spearheaded by the European Defence Agency (EDA), was reported by the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” (FAZ) based on a draft version circulated among the member states, which is reportedly nearly identical to the final document, according to sources familiar with the process.
The report states that the EU and its members must move beyond current trends and initiate a fundamental shift in the scope and pace of defense investments, capability development, and industrial capacity. A primary reason cited for these deficits is the lack of coordinated military procurement among the countries. For instance, in 2025, the share of joint procurement of military equipment by EU states was only 13 percent-a figure lower than the 18 percent recorded in 2022, and far short of the self-imposed target of 40 percent set for 2030.
According to the FAZ, the report also criticizes the continued reliance on the United States, particularly in strategic areas such as air refueling, battlefield reconnaissance, and space surveillance, as well as in the Patriot air defense system. Significant holes remain in areas including main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, naval capabilities, and supplies of munitions, bombs, and rockets, alongside modern technologies. The situation regarding artillery systems, drones, and military mobility, however, is described as mixed.
The FAZ quotes the report, which was commissioned by the heads of state and government a year ago, noting that “closing existing gaps and meeting all capability requirements by 2030 will prove extremely difficult due to fragmented investments and long, complex development cycles.” The document further emphasizes that “individual member states will not achieve operational readiness alone.”
