The European Court of Auditors warns against duplication in arms purchases and debt-financed rearmament

Berlin. The European Court of Auditors is calling for closer coordination of arms purchases in Europe in order to avoid wasting money and duplication in procurement. Despite member states' record investments and ambitious plans, achieving defense readiness by 2030 remains a challenge for Europe, according to a report published by the Luxembourg authority on Thursday.

At the same time, the Court of Auditors warns that debt-financed rearmament could “impair the long-term sustainability of public finances.” Driven by the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, defense spending by EU member states rose by almost 79 percent to 418 billion euros from 2020 to 2025. A further increase to 454 billion euros is expected this year.

Nevertheless, the Europeans have not yet managed to close key capability gaps for which they remain dependent on US allies. This applies, for example, to satellite reconnaissance and communication, medium-range weapons and strategic air transport.

In order to close the gaps and achieve defense readiness, a “top-down EU planning process” would make sense, the budget watchdogs write in their report. Instead, the planning “largely follows an approach in which the individual countries determine their own needs,” says the Court of Auditors. The strong fragmentation of the European armies continues.