These last few years have been a sharp reminder about how fragile peace is. In today's fractured and uncertain world, we have to rely more and more on ourselves to preserve peace and protect Europe.
That is why security and defence is one of our main priorities – and we are delivering.
The EU supports and works alongside its Member States and existing alliances. It helps countries across Europe work together to keep people safe by boosting investment in defence, making the European defence industry more robust, removing barriers and facilitating cooperation.
Around €800 billion in defence investment is expected to be mobilised across Member States by 2030, including up to €150 billion through the EU’s SAFE instrument. In addition, the EU is one of the world’s leading funders of defence research and development, with over €7 billion invested.
EU programmes now cover the entire defence cycle, from research, to production, procurement and financing. They are driving industrial growth, creating jobs, and helping deliver the critical capabilities Europe needs.
European companies are developing cutting-edge defence equipment to strengthen security, protect borders and respond to new challenges.
Standing together is our first line of defence. Because freedom isn’t won once and for all. It’s protected every day.
Strengthening European security through investment and innovation
From semi-autonomous vessels protecting our seas to next-generation drones safeguarding European skies, the EU is investing in technologies that support security today and make Europe stronger for the future.
These are just a few examples that show European defence cooperation in action.
The ACTING project strengthens preparedness for cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. In this context, European countries are training cyber-defence teams to be ready for emerging threats.
EU countries working together across borders: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain
European partners are developing technologies for future air warfare and collaborative air combat, as well as modernising fighter pilot training through embedded simulation and augmented reality.
Countries involved: Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden
As part of the EUROGUARD project led by Estonia, semi-autonomous vessels will contribute to strengthening the defence of our seas across Europe, using innovative technologies for naval operations.
Countries involved: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, plus Norway from outside the EU
EU funding is helping Ukraine purchase Swedish Gripen fighter jets from Saab to protect its skies and contribute to Europe’s security.
Based in Sweden
COP-GPT uses AI to combine data from autonomous drones into one integrated operational picture, giving soldiers accurate situational aware to make faster, better-informed decisions.
Countries involved: Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands
European partners developed a new virtual reality combat system as part of the FIIST project, offering advanced training capabilities in simultaneous multinational collaboration of the armed forces.
Countries involved: Austria, Slovenia, Spain
Origin Robotics is helping protect our skies by developing autonomous systems that detect, track and counter aerial threats. From the early stages of the company’s development, EU funding has helped drive innovation and build up its research and development capacity.
Based in Latvia
The East Shield project strengthens border security and surveillance along the EU’s eastern flank through a combination of modern surveillance systems, physical barriers and infrastructure development, with partial funding provided through EU support.
Based in Poland
Developing proven counter-drone and intelligence, surveillance, targeting (ISR) capability with direct links to existing battle-management systems. From the battlefield to industry, in cooperation with Alta Ares.
Based in France
The SHOLFEA project will enhance overall soldier readiness by developing a family of shoulder-launched guided and unguided missile systems for future infantry units, strengthening the ground-combat pillar and reducing reliance on non-EU suppliers.
Countries involved: Italy, Slovenia, Spain