Commission: drone wall and strong eastern borders urgent
BRUSSELS (ANP) – It outlines how and when which shortages in defense equipment must be addressed and that defense applies to land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. “The recent threats have shown that Europe is in danger,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. “We must protect every citizen and every square centimeter of our territory.”
The 27 EU member states are responsible for achieving the goals in the roadmap. Defense is a national competence. The Commission supports countries in this and monitors compliance with the agreements. The Commission also ensures that duplications are avoided.
Member states must enter into partnerships to address capacity shortages, such as in missile defense and artillery systems. Together, they must develop and procure equipment. Countries can indicate in which area they want to do this. The Netherlands wants to do this at least in the field of drones.
There is close cooperation with NATO, assures a senior EU official. The EU member states will address the shortages identified by NATO. “It is not about an operational structure. That is up to NATO,” said the EU official.
EU foreign chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of expanding European defense. “Russia currently does not have the capacity to attack the European Union, but it could prepare for that in the coming years. The danger will not disappear, even if the war in Ukraine comes to an end.”
EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius (Defense) called the presentation of the roadmap the “D-day for implementation.” According to him, it is a “megaplan for implementation, with timelines, objectives, and reporting obligations.”
The EU heads of government will discuss the roadmap next week at an EU summit in Brussels.
(October 16, 2025)
