Europe was caught off guard: '2030 military defense targets are in danger'

NEWS CENTER/ According to the news published by Euronews based on the leaked eight-page draft document of the European Commission, Europe's goal of being militarily ready by 2030 is in danger, despite the increasing defense expenditures and the political will shown.

Despite record defense spending and unprecedented political resolve emanating from Brussels, Europe's goal of achieving full military readiness by 2030 is being shaken by a serious crisis. The eight-page secret work program of the European Commission, which determines its priorities for 2027, revealed the huge cracks in the EU's security architecture.

In the document, which points out that Europe's external borders, critical infrastructure and fundamental values ​​are under threat more than ever, the extent of the danger is clearly expressed: "Our borders and the values ​​that sustain our model are under increasing pressure."

BILLIONS OF EUROS OF INVESTMENTS CANNOT BE RETURNED ON THE FIELD

The draft, which contains findings parallel to the first Annual Defense Preparedness Report of the European Defense Agency (EDA), emphasizes a bitter truth: There is money, but there is no coordinated force.

Although Europe will increase its defense budget to a record level of 418 billion euros in 2025, this huge resource; It could not be transformed into a coherent, rapidly deployable and sustainable military force. Commission officials openly admit that “much more needs to be done” to respond quickly in times of crisis.

500 BILLION EUR INVOICE

One of the biggest factors that put Europe on alert comes from the other side of the Atlantic. US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw strategic support elements has created a major security gap in Europe. EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that the completion of critical tools such as strategic infrastructure, airlift, space and cyber defense that will fill this gap may cost 500 billion euros.

As the year 2030, which intelligence services point out as "the critical date when Russia can test NATO", approaches, Brussels aims to establish a new European Instrument that will support the rearmament processes of member countries.

'EUROPEAN SECURITY EMERGENCY PROTOCOL' IS ON THE TABLE

On the continent overshadowed by hybrid war, the threat is changing day by day - from explosive-laden drones in Germany to commercial ships sinking in the Black Sea. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the establishment of a "European Security Emergency Protocol" similar to NATO's Article 4. However, the idea has not yet achieved unanimity among member states.

On the other hand, the steps taken against airspace violations are progressing slowly. Although investments in anti-drone technologies have increased sixfold, it is stated that only 33% of the EU's current drone defense programs will be operational by 2030.

AIR DEFENSE AND DRONE ARE PRIORITY FOR UKRAINE

Support for Ukraine, which is in the shadow of war, remains at the top of the Commission's agenda. Brussels; It will continue investing in ammunition, anti-drone systems and missile defense.

The Kiev administration plans to strengthen air and missile defense by directly transferring up to 1 billion euros of the 90 billion euro "Ukraine Support Loan" to the EU's defense industry integration programs.