Europe’s military readiness plans at risk despite record defence spending

Europe's ambition to be military ready by 2030 is at risk, despite unprecedented political will and a surge in defense spending, according to a leaked draft of the European Commission's work program seen by Euronews. Our external borders, critical infrastructure and the values underpinning our European way are increasingly coming under threat, the paper says, citing hybrid threats as an example. The eight-page document is setting out the EU executive's priorities for 2027. Defence emerges as one of its biggest challenges. As Europe invests a billion in its military capabilities, 418 billion euros in 2025, the report warns that its ambitions to defend itself have yet to translate into deployable, sustainable and interoperable forces. The EU Defence Commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, has emphasised that the bloc must develop its own strategic enablers, critical infrastructure and capabilities that allow combat forces to deploy and operate efficiently to fill the gap. Doing so, however, could cost 500 billion euros.