EU's New Defence Projects: Drones, Borders, Air and Space Shields

The European Parliament says the EU must step up its defence because of Russia’s war in Ukraine, growing cyber and hybrid attacks, and new weapons such as drones, AI and space‑based systems.

Key points

• Spending targets – Some EU states aim to spend 2 % of GDP on defence by 2025.

• Current EU spending – In 2022 only 18 % of total equipment spending was on EU‑coordinated projects, below the 35 % benchmark set in 2007.

• Future goal – By 2027 the EU wants 40 % of defence procurement to be joint projects.

• Four flagship projects –

1. European Drone Defence Initiative – counter‑drone systems and drone‑based weapons.
2. Eastern Flank Watch – ground, air, sea and cyber defence for eastern EU borders.
3. European Air Shield – air‑defence systems.
4. European Space Shield – space‑based security and resilience.

• Co‑ordination – Projects must work with NATO, use the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), the European Defence Fund (EDF), PESCO and other EU tools.

• Single EU market – A unified market for defence goods will cut fragmentation, lower costs and help small and medium‑sized firms.

• Funding – Long‑term, dedicated money is needed. Member States must co‑finance projects for their full life cycle, and budgets must be monitored with clear milestones.

• Export controls – A risk‑based system will keep sensitive technology out of hostile hands.

• Parliament’s role – The Parliament will keep an eye on spending, ensure transparency, and make sure projects stay on track and meet EU and NATO goals.