A challenge for the single market: a European defence policy well balanced with the needs of citizens

Background

Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine and intensifying hybrid and cyber threats have pushed defence to the fore across Europe. Over the last decade, military spending in Europe rose by about 50%, climbing from EUR 145 billion in 2014 to EUR 215 billion in 2023.

The Draghi report has shown that in 2022–2023, 78% of European military procurement went to non‑EU suppliers, with 63% of that going to the United States, limiting the EU’s strategic autonomy. A patchwork of national purchasing and standards blocks a true single market for defence, and undermines interoperability and efficiency.

Despite these weaknesses, Europe’s total military power is significant. But without a shared strategy, this advantage becomes diluted by dispersion of orders and overlapping programmes.

At the same time, social indicators have deteriorated. According to reports, 19.1% of households struggle to make ends meet; 16.5% are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, compared to 14.3% in 2019.

Public attitudes mirror these pressures: the 2024 European Parliament survey reports top concerns around immigration, the cost of living (42%) and the economic situation (41%). Any ramp‑up in defence therefore needs to be transparent, and coordinated with measures that protect living standards and cohesion.

Key points:

In the opinion, the EESC:

• reiterates that the strengthening of the EU’s defensive capacities must be implemented in accordance with its fundamental values, with a focus on the well-being of citizens;
• believes that the EU should adopt a common defence policy as part of a shared foreign and security policy, and build a strong European defence pillar, going beyond national models;
• stresses the urgent need to promote a common European industrial policy that enhances industrial competitiveness while respecting the principles of transparency, efficiency and sustainability. It also calls for specific common funding instruments to be adopted.

Read the opinion.

Additional information

Section: Single Market, Production and Consumption

Opinion number: INT/1081

Opinion type: Own-initiative opinion

Rapporteur: Angelo PAGLIARA

Reference: Rule 52(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Date of adoption by section: 2/9/2025

Result of the vote: 134 in favour/0 against/2 abstentions

Date of adoption in plenary: 18/9/2025

Contacts:

Press officer: Laura Lui

Tel.: +32 2 546 9189

Email: laurairena.lui@eesc.europa.eu

Administrator: Annalisa Tessarolo

Tel.       +32 25469732

Email: annalisa.tessarolo@eesc.europa.eu