BRUSSELS — The European Union has unveiled a new initiative aimed at reducing its reliance on U.S. defense support, emphasizing greater investment in European military equipment and production.
The “Readiness 2030” strategy, announced Wednesday, comes amid growing concerns over potential Russian aggression. NATO intelligence warns that Moscow could be capable of launching a new offensive in Europe within the next three to five years.
Under the plan, EU nations will be encouraged to prioritize defense procurement from European suppliers, with financial incentives to make domestic purchases more competitive. Currently, around two-thirds of the bloc’s military acquisitions come from American manufacturers. To qualify for upcoming defense loans, member states must now source at least 65% of their equipment from EU countries, Norway, or Ukraine.
“The era of the peace dividend is over,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We can no longer take our security for granted. Europe must invest in its own defense, strengthen its capabilities, and become more self-reliant.”
This shift comes as Washington signals a strategic pivot, with the U.S. prioritizing its own borders and Asian security concerns over European defense. The move has reinforced the EU’s urgency to assume greater responsibility for its security and military preparedness.
The new defense plan mirrors the bloc’s 2022 “RepowerEU” initiative, which successfully cut European dependence on Russian gas from 45% in 2021 to just 15% by 2023. Similarly, “Readiness 2030” aims to reduce reliance on American defense manufacturers and foster a stronger European military-industrial complex.
European leaders are set to discuss the proposal at an upcoming summit, following a recent emergency meeting where they approved a €150 billion ($164 billion) defense investment plan. The initiative includes restrictions on defense contracts with non-EU suppliers, barring companies from the U.S., U.K., and Turkey unless their governments sign security agreements with the bloc.
While France has led the push for a “Buy European” policy, some nations—such as Poland and the Netherlands—remain hesitant, preferring to maintain access to advanced American defense technology.
Despite efforts to boost European security autonomy, the strategy does not seek to sever ties with NATO allies. The EU will continue to strengthen partnerships with non-EU nations such as the U.K., Canada, Japan, South Korea, and India. However, officials acknowledge that the U.S. is recalibrating its global security commitments.
“The message is clear,” said Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s first-ever defense commissioner. “450 million Europeans should not have to rely on 340 million Americans for their protection. We have the capability to stand on our own.”
Key priorities under the “Readiness 2030” plan include joint procurement of air and missile defense systems, artillery, drones, cyber warfare technology, and enhanced border security infrastructure. The EU also aims to provide Ukraine with at least two million artillery shells annually, alongside additional air defense systems and continued military training for Ukrainian forces.
Further funding will be directed to Ukraine’s defense industry, which offers cost-effective production close to the battlefield.
With tensions in Eastern Europe remaining high, the EU is making it clear that its security future lies in self-reliance rather than dependence on traditional allies.
