BRUSSELS — The European Union has announced a strategic initiative aimed at reducing its reliance on the United States for security, with a fresh emphasis on procuring defense equipment within Europe.
The EU’s executive arm has rolled out a new security roadmap titled “Readiness 2030,” prompted by concerns over potential Russian hostility. Intelligence from NATO anticipates that Russia might be prepared to instigate another conflict in Europe within three to five years.
The shift follows a recent indication from the U.S. administration that its security priorities now focus more on domestic concerns and Asia, suggesting that Europe will need to bolster its readiness and provide more robust support to Ukraine as its own territorial conflict enters a prolonged phase.
Under this new framework, EU member states are encouraged to prioritize purchasing defense equipment locally, with incentives and assistance available to offset costs and expedite procurement. Exceptions to this directive will only be made where reliability, cost-efficiency, or timeliness is in question.
Historically, EU nations have sourced approximately two-thirds of their defense procurements from U.S. suppliers. Going forward, to access new financial support, states must ensure 65% of their purchases are from within the EU, or from Norway or Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the necessity of reinforcing the EU’s defense and industrial capacity by fostering an integrated market for defense equipment across the union.
This initiative draws parallels with the previously unveiled RepowerEU plan which successfully reduced the EU’s energy reliance on Russian gas, from 45% in 2021 to 15% by 2023, following the escalation of conflict in Ukraine.
On the eve of an EU leaders’ summit, the strategy was introduced alongside new fiscal proposals designed to loosen budget constraints, accompanied by a substantial loan plan valued at 150 billion euros for defense initiatives.
Outside of this plan, defense enterprises in the U.S., U.K., and Turkey might only participate if their respective governments establish security accords with the EU.
France has been a strong advocate for European-centric buying, although some nations, including Poland and the Netherlands, have expressed a preference for American products.
The updated policy also calls for enhanced security alliances with NATO countries that do not hold EU membership, such as Canada, the UK, Norway, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and India.
The document reflects on the changing dynamics of EU-U.S. relations, noting the latter’s recent interest in recalibrating its commitments and potentially scaling back its historical security leadership in Europe.
Recently appointed EU defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius stressed the importance of a security apparatus that does not disproportionately rely on the U.S., acknowledging the EU’s considerable population size relative to its American counterparts.
Key priorities in the collective European defense agenda include the acquisition of air and missile defense systems, ammunition, unmanned aerial vehicles, cyber-warfare equipment, and strategic assets like air-to-air refueling and border security enhancements.
A specific objective is to deliver significant defense support to Ukraine against ongoing hostilities, with commitments to supply artillery, air defense systems, and training resources for Ukrainian forces, alongside bolstering Ukraine’s defense industry financially.
