Europe Is Rearming Too Slowly to Counter the Threat from Russia — EU Report

The European Union (EU) needs decisive changes in its defense efforts to achieve its planned readiness to defend against Russia by 2030.

This was reported by Reuters, citing a summary of the European Defense Agency’s first annual report. EU defense ministers are set to discuss the document on Monday, September 28.

Europe is not rearming quickly or effectively enough. Current plans do not appear to address gaps in air and missile defense, land and naval capabilities, ammunition stocks, and Unmanned Systems Forces.

In the report’s summary, the authors note progress in funding, the development of defense capabilities, and industrial readiness. This has been facilitated by deeper partnerships, particularly with Ukraine.

At the same time, the current pace and increase in investment do not yet ensure a sufficient number of forces ready for deployment, sustained operations, and joint actions.

Critical gaps in defense capabilities persist, so despite unprecedented progress, what has been achieved so far is still insufficient.

“To overcome the challenges posed by the deteriorating security situation and the threat of Russian aggression, much more needs to be done, and much faster than at present, to achieve defense readiness by 2030,” the EU agency’s report states.

Against the backdrop of uncertainty regarding U.S. policy under President Donald Trump and the intensification of Russia’s subversive and hybrid activities, EU leaders set a goal in 2025 to prepare Europe for defense by 2030.

In March 2025, the European Union published the White Paper on European Defense, in which it recognized Russia as a fundamental threat and outlined a strategic plan to strengthen the defense capabilities of the EU and Ukraine over the next five years.

The Commission presented a strategic plan for developing defense capabilities, along with details of the ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 economic project, which provides financial instruments to increase investment in the defense capabilities of EU member states.

The document identifies seven priority areas where EU countries have gaps and which will be crucial for building a robust European defense:

• Air and missile defense. The EU needs a unified, multi-layered system to defend against the full spectrum of airborne threats: cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, aircraft, and drones.
• Artillery systems. Advanced systems, including modern artillery and long-range missiles, designed to deliver precision strikes against ground targets.
• Ammunition and missiles. Building on the European External Action Service’s “Ammunition Plan 2.0” initiative, it is necessary to establish a strategic stockpile of ammunition, missiles, and components, as well as ensure sufficient defense industry production capacity for its timely replenishment.
• Drones and counter-drone systems. This includes aerial, ground-based, surface, and underwater vehicles that can be operated by a human or function autonomously.
• Military mobility. The development of a pan-European network of land corridors, airports, seaports, and supporting infrastructure for the rapid transport of troops and equipment within the EU and partner countries.
• Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare. Development of secure digital systems, use of artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
• Strategic systems and critical infrastructure protection. Development of strategic airlift, aerial refueling aircraft, reconnaissance and surveillance, maritime domain surveillance capabilities, space systems, secure communications, and fuel infrastructure.

The ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan calls for the mobilization of up to 800 billion euros, including 150 billion euros in long-term loans under the SAFE program.