In the need for Europe to be better equipped to act and “to address autonomously, in a coordinated manner and with a 360° approach, the immediate and future challenges and threats,” it is mentioned in the text of the conclusions of the European Council as emphasized and as had been expressed by the Greek side.
The member states should “take the initiative to implement all the priority areas identified at the EU level,” in line with the roadmap for European defense readiness presented by the High Representative. Furthermore, “utilizing the strategic orientation, so that Europe can develop the full range of modern capabilities required, in full coherence with NATO,” there is a reference to supporting the European Defense Agency and based on a coherent overall approach.
Additionally, it calls on member states to complete the process of establishing capability coalitions in all priority areas by the end of the year and to proceed with specific projects that will start in the first half of 2026. The goal is to reduce strategic dependencies and cover critical industrial gaps, as well as to be able to better supply equipment in the quantities and at the pace required.
At the same time, the European Council condemns the violation of the airspace of many member states and emphasizes in two points of the conclusions that the threats at the remaining borders of the EU should be taken into account, “highlighting the importance of ensuring the defense of all land, air, and maritime borders of the EU. The immediate threats on the eastern flank of the EU and the provision of specific support to member states must be addressed as priority issues.”
In the text of the conclusions, the European Council refers to the intensive hybrid attacks by Russia and Belarus and the recent violations of EU airspace and emphasizes “the importance of close cooperation among member states for the overall strengthening of their defense and security capabilities.” EU leaders decided that to respond to the most immediate needs and threats, efforts should focus particularly on specific projects to enhance the common efforts of member states “to improve their capabilities in the field of anti-drone and air defense, in a coordinated manner.”
Furthermore, it calls on member states to accelerate the joint development of space resources and emphasizes the importance of the proper functioning and further integration of the European defense market across the Union, including cross-border access to supply chains in the defense sector.
At the same time, it raises the issue of oversight of the plan, highlighting “effective political oversight and coordination to monitor progress and intensify the work of defense ministers in the Council regarding Europe’s defense readiness.” These efforts will be based on an annual report on defense readiness.
Finally, the text of the conclusions emphasizes the importance of close cooperation with Ukraine and its integration into the European defense industry. (23/10/25)
