EU presents new Defence Roadmap to strengthen European defence capabilities and support Ukraine

On 16 June, the European Commission proposed to EU Member States the ‘Preserving Peace – Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030′, a comprehensive plan to strengthen European defence capabilities.

The Defence Roadmap outlines clear objectives and milestones to close capability gaps, accelerate defence investments across Member States, and guide the EU’s progress towards full defence readiness by 2030. The Roadmap proposes four European Flagships: the European Drone Defence Initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch, the European Air Shield, and the European Space Shield.

“The recent threats have shown that Europe is at risk. We have to protect every citizen and square centimetre of our territory,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, adding that the Roadmap would also strengthen the EU’s defence industries, accelerate production, and maintain the EU’s long-standing support to Ukraine.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas also confirmed that security guarantees for Ukraine were part of the roadmap. 

“The strongest security guarantee is a strong Ukrainian defence industry and a strong Ukrainian army. So here we also set milestones, including establishing a drone alliance with Ukraine by early next year,” Kaja Kallas said. “Ukraine’s drones are world class. We were just with Executive Vice-President Virkkunen in Kyiv this Monday, also visiting drone factories. It is incredible what they are doing. We have to use their experience from the battle ground, but also their innovation to build on it together.”

European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius added that the ‘European Drone Defence Initiative’ and ‘Eastern Flank Watch’ can be started immediately and can be realised together with Ukraine.

“Ukraine deserves our support. Roadmap has a promise – Reparation Loan will be realised before the end of 2025. And Ukraine is ready to help us with its know-how and battle tested experience. We are building the European Defence Dome together,” concluded Kubilius.

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Press release

Remarks by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, High Representative/Vice-President Kallas, and Commissioner Kubilius, on the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030