Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Just hours after a meeting of defense ministers from EU member states and at the same time from NATO, EU plans were revealed to make the "drone wall" fully operational and integrated within the network of defense capabilities for drones. This would make it part of a unified security system capable of detecting and countering airborne threats by the end of 2027, according to a leaked copy of the 2030 Defense Readiness Roadmap seen by Euronews, the European news network in Brussels, which added, "This step comes within the framework of the EU's efforts to completely modernize its defense policy in the face of an increasingly aggressive Russia.
The document, which will be officially unveiled by the European Commission on Thursday, reflects months of discussions between the EU executive and member states and outlines defense investment priorities for the coming years, with a focus on strengthening joint military capabilities and advanced defense technology." Pioneering Projects to Strengthen the Eastern Flank
The map highlights four pilot projects dubbed "Eastern Flank Surveillance," led by the European Drone Shield, along with the Air Defense Shield and the Space Defense Shield. The first two are the most urgent, with the European Drone Shield expected to be operational by the end of 2027, and the Eastern Flank expected to be operational by the end of 2028.
These projects aim to provide integrated, technologically advanced defense capabilities that enable the effective detection, tracking, and neutralization of drones, as well as the ability to launch precision strikes against ground targets using the same technology.
The EU emphasizes the need for these capabilities to be fully interoperable among member states, enhancing European security awareness and ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure in coordination with NATO.
Enhancing Military Mobility Across the EU
The map also addresses the issue of military mobility, which has been identified as a priority area. The Commission seeks to establish an EU-wide military mobility area, including harmonized rules and procedures and a network of land corridors, airports, and seaports, to ensure the unhindered movement of troops and military equipment.
Currently, some Member States take up to 45 days to process requests to move troops across European borders, making this project an urgent necessity to enhance military readiness and cooperation between countries.
Financing and Supporting the European Defense Industry
The Roadmap indicates that current defense initiatives, including the SAFE Defense Loan Scheme, aim to promote joint procurement of military capabilities and support the European defense technological and industrial base, thereby reducing costs, accelerating deliveries, and enhancing interoperability among Member States' armed forces.
The document set ambitious goals, requiring member states to jointly organize approximately 40% of their defense procurement by the end of 2027, and to purchase 60% of their defense budget from the EDTIB and Ukraine by 2030.
However, the roadmap did not identify new funding sources, stating only that the next EU budget will reach €131 billion, of which €18 billion is allocated to military mobility, a significant increase from €1.76 billion in the current budget.
The Commission also urges the promotion of private investment in the defense sector and the support of the European Investment Bank through a €1 billion financing fund to support defense projects before the end of the year, which will accelerate capacity development and enhance European defense autonomy.