Europe’s Defence Readiness: a test of unity and capability

History shows that cooperation between decision-makers and employers fosters innovation and economic progress. As war returns to Europe and global rivalries intensify, the EU’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy will depend on the synergy between entrepreneurial dynamism and strategic leadership in advancing the European Defence Union.

Historically, this synergy was embodied by the French Foreign Minister Robert Shuman and the entrepreneur from a Cognac-producing family Jean Monnet, the men behind the European Coal and Steel Community, created to make war in Europe “materially impossible”, and the European Defence Community, that aimed to establish a European army. 

The legacy of the founding fathers of the 1950 Shuman Declaration reminds us that: “World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it” and that “Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity”.

In the spirit of solidarity, the members of the three Groups of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) who worked on the Opinion on the European Defence Readiness Roadmap  agreed that, in the face of polycrisis, Europe needs strategic clarity, the rapid closing of capability gaps, particularly to sustain support for Ukraine, and a focused, prioritised roadmap with a 360-degree perspective. In other words, capability outcomes must be prioritised, ensuring inclusiveness and a strong sense of EU ownership.

Defence industry, SMEs and joint procurement 

Europe’s ability to act decisively in the field of defence depends on overcoming persistent fragmentation.  This is why we call on the EU to strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), boost cooperation and joint procurement, reduce foreign dependencies and ensure resilient supply chains to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy.

In this context, we warn against national protectionism in defence procurement and call instead for joint procurement through a European platform or agency to strengthen interoperability and establish a common regulatory framework for military goods.

A level playing field for public and private enterprises is also needed, together with targeted support for SMEs with relevant capabilities and more incentives for technological leaders among mid-caps.

Europe’s defence readiness

Europe’s defence readiness should focus on intelligence, cyber defence, logistics, mobility, air, space, naval, land and missile defence, and the protection of critical infrastructure, including railways and ports.

The Roadmap is a positive step in this direction, but it lacks naval defence in the EU’s defence readiness strategy. Achieving EU military mobility by 2027 requires harmonised transport, customs and infrastructure rules, performance indicators and a one-stop clearance system to speed up cross-border movement.

Furthermore, economic and industrial integration in defence must advance in parallel with political and military integration, tapping the full potential of the Lisbon Treaty.

Societal resilienceand disinformation

In our Opinion, we propose a European Defence Skills Pact to ensure a skilled workforce while safeguarding labour standards and social partner involvement. As several Member States reintroduce military service, we recommend an EU-wide debate with civil society on military and civil defence requirements.

At the same time, education, training and support for civil society are essential for societal resilience and countering disinformation. Rapid learning, continuous cognitive skills development and the effective use of artificial intelligence are key to addressing polarisation, emerging cognitive warfare and strengthening EU’s strategic resilience.

Europe stands at a defining moment. As security threats intensify and strategic competition deepens, strengthening Europe’s defence readiness is not only a matter of security. As highlighted by Mario Draghi, strengthening Europe’s defence can boost the competitiveness of the EU, which, despite being the world’s second-largest defence spender, still lacks a strong and integrated defence industrial base. This must change: it is time to think creatively and turn strategies into action. 

By Monika Panayotova, EESC Employers' Group member and Study Group member of Opinion CCMI/253 Roadmap for European Defence Readiness.