Europe seeks to address defence under‑investment by increasing funding and pursuing joint action to replenish stocks and develop capabilities aligned with modern battlefield needs.

The EU explains its rationale for strengthening military capabilities to counter evolving threats and protect security across hybrid, cyber, air space, sea, and climate-related risks.

EU-NATO cooperation is framed as mutually reinforcing: the EU will help its NATO members reach capability targets faster and more cost-effectively, while keeping NATO firmly as the cornerstone of European defense.

Military capabilities are defined as the integrated mix of equipment, technology, trained personnel, logistics, maintenance, planning, and know‑how needed to protect people, borders, networks and assets across land, air, sea, cyberspace, and outer space.

European Readiness Flagships propose pan‑European projects to address urgent capability gaps, including initiatives like the European Drone Defence Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, European Air Shield, and European Space Shield.

A stronger European pillar within NATO is intended to deter adversaries and bolster the Alliance’s deterrence.

Capability Coalitions are coordinated investment mechanisms led by Member States with support from the European Defence Agency and EU bodies; Ukraine could participate to share lessons learned.

Key initiatives include the White Paper on European Defence and the Roadmap for Defence Readiness 2030, setting milestones and priorities to reach defence readiness by 2030.

The EU’s approach emphasizes shared funding, common decision‑making frameworks, and cross‑border coordination to address shortfalls beyond what any single Member State can achieve.