On 19 March 2025, the European Commission presented the long-awaited White Paper on Defence to ramp up the EU’s security and defence capabilities in an increasingly difficult and unstable geopolitical context. The proposals come as we mark 100 days of the new Commission — just two weeks after von der Leyen presented her ReArm Europe Plan —, and are expected to be discussed by Member State leaders during the European Council meeting on 20-21 March.

The “White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030” aims to provide a framework for the ReArm Europe Plan and to outline a new defence strategy through a number of additional key actions, in the short term as well as the medium to long term. This includes closing capability gaps, increasing military assistance to support Ukraine, and strengthening partnerships with third countries. It also aims to support the European defence industry through aggregated demand and increased collaborative procurement. Moreover, the strategy seeks to deepen the EU-wide defence market by simplifying regulations and accelerating the transformation of defence through disruptive technological innovations. Furthermore, enhancing European readiness for worst-case scenarios is another priority, with measures aimed at improving military mobility, stockpiling, and strengthening external borders. By taking these actions to strengthen European defence readiness, the Commission aims to ensure that the EU has a strong and sufficient European defence posture by 2030 at the latest.

Within the White Paper on Defence, the Commission presented further details on the ReArm Europe Plan, which aims to mobilise over €800 billion to strengthen Europe’s defence through three key pillars. First, it allows Member States to use the Stability and Growth Pact’s national escape clause, providing up to 1.5% of GDP annually for defence spending. Second, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) will raise €150 billion on the capital markets to support defence investment based on Member States needs. Finally, the Savings and Investments Union Strategy aims to mobilise private capital to fill the defence financing gap.

The White Paper was highly anticipated. However, given the rapidly developing events in Ukraine, many of the proposals have already been announced, such as the ReArm Europe Plan. In addition, the White Paper, which was expected to promote closer integration to address geopolitical challenges, falls short in terms of long-term vision and a greater degree of European integration.

Key texts:  

• European Commission: White Paper for European Defence
• European Parliament: Resolution on the white paper on the future of European defence
• European Council: Council conclusions on European defence

Upcoming events:   

• 20-21 March: European Council meeting 
• 2-3 April: Informal meeting of defence ministers
• 7 April: SEDE meeting

European Movement International’s Position  

In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, marked by the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Trump’s decision to abandon the longstanding US-Europe defence partnership, there is an urgent need for a robust and fully integrated European Defence Union (EDU), as we argue in our policy position entitled “Strengthening Security and Defence at a Time of Geopolitical Instability”.

The creation of an EDU would enhance the EU’s ability to strengthen its strategic resilience, collective defence capabilities, and regional stability. To achieve this, joint military initiatives are essential to improve operational efficiency and strategic coherence across the continent while reducing costs for Member States. Integration of forces and pooling of military resources would further enhance collective security and cost-effectiveness. These initiatives should be financed through an enhanced Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), with partial funding from the EU’s own resources.

However, it is crucial to ensure coherence and unity among Member States in the decision-making process, supported by regular consultation and dialogue. It is therefore necessary to establish a common foreign policy framework through coordination via the CSDP and PESCO.

Joint procurements and collaborative defence initiatives will also reduce the EU’s dependence on external actors, such as the US, and would present the EU to the world as a united and autonomous entity—an essential feature in today’s international environment. While the EU is taking steps towards achieving security and defence autonomy, cooperation with international partners, such as NATO, remains vital. Multilateral peacebuilding, soft power, and diplomacy are essential tools for global stability and achieving strategic objectives. Furthermore, the EU must cooperate with civil society to ensure that the social aspects of security and defence remain at the forefront of policy and budgetary discussions. Social partners are key to promote inclusive employment, gender equality, and workers’ rights within the defence sector.

To establish a robust and sustainable long-term strategy for the EDU, it is imperative to reform the EU Treaties, starting from the mutual defence clause enshrined in Article 42.7 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU). This should be followed by a shift from unanimity to qualified majority voting (QMV) in the Council, enabling faster and more effective responses to emerging challenges. Additionally, a greater transfer of powers to the European Parliament is necessary to create a more balanced relationship between the EU institutions.