EU Plans Joint Defense Projects Amidst Rising Security Concerns
Brussels – the European Commission this week unveiled a roadmap for bolstering the EU’s defence capabilities,including a proposed air defence shield modelled on Israel’s Iron Dome and a “drone wall” to counter unmanned aerial threats. The initiative, spurred by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and perceived escalating threats from Russia, aims to foster collaborative procurement and address critical gaps in European security.
The plans call for a coordinated approach to defence spending, encouraging member states to pool resources and order equipment in bulk to avoid competitive bidding that drives up costs. The “drone wall,” intended to detect, jam, or intercept enemy drones, is slated to be operational by the end of 2027, drawing on lessons learned from Ukraine’s defence against Russian drone attacks. A commission proposal highlighted Russia as “a persistent threat to European security for the foreseeable future,” with eastern European nations facing the “greatest direct threat.”
The initiative comes as the defence industry seeks to capitalize on a wave of increased military spending across Europe. Joint funding for flagship projects like the air defence shield and drone wall is expected to place additional strain on national budgets already facing economic pressures.
National leaders will debate the proposals at an upcoming EU summit in Brussels. However, tensions remain regarding the balance of power between member states and the Commission, with some capitals asserting their preference for maintaining control over defence policy. Sources briefed on recent discussions at a Copenhagen summit indicated leaders reaffirmed that national governments should drive defence policy,not the Commission.
Andris Kubilius,a member of the European Parliament,stated on Thursday that the EU’s plan could deliver a “real big bang” on defence,warning that failure to implement it could be “vrey painful” for Europe.
