The European Union (EU) is taking bold steps to fortify its defenses, proposing four 'flagship' defense projects aimed at countering drones and safeguarding its eastern border. This move comes in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the growing threat of Russian aggression. But here's where it gets controversial: the EU is facing challenges in estimating the costs of these projects and securing new funding.
On October 16, 2025, Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, unveiled the 'Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030' during a press conference in Brussels. The roadmap outlines a plan to strengthen the EU's defense capabilities by 2030, addressing the concerns raised by the war in Ukraine and the call for Europe to take more responsibility for its security, as emphasized by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The four flagship projects include the European Drone Defence Initiative, previously known as the 'drone wall', and Eastern Flank Watch, which aims to fortify the EU's eastern borders across land, air, and sea. These projects are expected to have initial capacity by the end of next year, with the drone project becoming fully functional a year later and the 'flank watch' reaching that status by the end of 2028. Additionally, the EU is proposing a European Air Shield to defend against missiles and other airborne threats, and a European Space Shield to protect European space assets and services.
The EU's defense ambitions are a significant departure from the traditional role of national governments and the NATO military alliance. European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius described the roadmap as a 'mega-plan for delivery, with clear timetables, goals, and reporting obligations'. However, the projects face challenges in cost estimation and funding, as EU members must first agree on project details before costs can be determined. The EU has access to national defense budgets and funds like the 150 billion euro SAFE loans scheme for defense projects, launched this year.
The EU's defense initiatives are a test of its commitment to playing a greater role in Europe's defense. Leaders of the EU's 27 member governments will decide on the flagship proposals and project management, marking a significant step towards a more unified European defense strategy. But the road ahead is not without obstacles, and the EU must navigate the challenges of cost estimation and funding to ensure the success of these ambitious defense projects.
