By Marcin Nowacki

As Europe faces a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, a key question arises: how can the European Union ensure its security in an increasingly uncertain world? In the opinion Defence funding in the EU, the EESC presents a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the EU’s security and prepare for both current and future challenges.

This opinion arrives at a time when security threats are escalating. At the heart of the EESC’s stance is a call for a unified and robust EU defence funding mechanism. The current funding structures are inadequate, and change is necessary. Without a more coordinated approach to defence funding, the EU risks falling behind in protecting its interests. Among the concerns mentioned in the opinion is the fact that '78% of the EUR 75 billion spent by EU countries on defence procurement went to non-EU suppliers', as stated in the Commission's report The future of European competitiveness. This growing dependence on external providers cannot be ignored.

However, it is not just about spending more—it is about spending wisely and efficiently. The EESC recommends strengthening EU-NATO coordination, increasing funding for initiatives like the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Peace Facility (EPF), and focusing on joint acquisitions to streamline resources and reduce costs. Moreover, the EESC advocates for European NATO members to commit at least 2.5% of their GDP to defence, a step that would strengthen Europe’s response to current geopolitical threats. This higher spending target ensures that NATO’s European members contribute more effectively to collective security, while retaining full sovereignty over their armed forces.

Furthermore, initiatives such as the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) are essential in strengthening the EU’s defence capabilities. These efforts will allow Europe to pool resources effectively, ensuring both military and civil preparedness.

Technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, drones and cybersecurity, are becoming increasingly vital to national security. The EESC stresses the importance of investing in these areas to stay ahead of emerging threats. Public-private sector collaboration is key to driving innovation, particularly in AI, drones and cybersecurity systems.

The opinion also calls for a resilient European defence-industrial ecosystem, encouraging stronger cooperation between enterprises, SMEs and governments. Fostering innovation and ensuring Europe remains competitive will reduce reliance on external suppliers, building a more self-sufficient defence industry.

Furthermore, we should not forget about regional initiatives within the EU. Strengthening regional collaborations will help tailor defence strategies to address the specific security challenges faced by different Member States. This approach ensures that regional concerns are adequately addressed within the broader EU framework.

Strengthening the EU’s defence is not just about security—it is about upholding EU values. We believe that by following the roadmap outlined in our opinion, the EU can secure its future and safeguard its peace and economic interests.