European Commission warns of risks to EU military readiness goals

A leaked draft of the European Commission’s 2027 work program indicates that the European Union’s ambition to achieve full military readiness by 2030 is at risk. Despite a significant increase in defense spending, which reached 418 billion euros in 2025, the document suggests these investments have not yet translated into forces that can be rapidly deployed, sustained, and coordinated effectively.

The warning aligns with the first annual report from the European Defence Agency, which highlighted persistent gaps in military capabilities across European nations. The Commission notes that border territories, critical infrastructure, and European values face increasing threats, including hybrid warfare. The document also points to the potential for Russia to test NATO by 2030.

Defense challenges are further compounded by the decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce the American military presence in Europe, including the withdrawal of certain strategic support capacities. EU Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius has emphasized that Europe must develop its own capacities to compensate for the potential gap in American support.