The “White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030” presented by the European Commission, offers solutions to strengthen the defense industry by closing important gaps and ensuring long-term readiness. It also suggests ways for Member States to invest heavily in defense, buy necessary equipment, and support the industry’s growth over time.
The “ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030” is a critical strategic initiative, aiming to significantly bolster Europe’s defense capabilities, industry, and strategic autonomy by the end of the decade.
Furthermore, it proposes to leverage over 800 billion euros in defense spending through national fiscal flexibility, a new 150 billion euros loan instrument (SAFE) for joint procurement, potential redirection of cohesion funds, and expanded European Investment Bank support. It also aims to mobilize private capital through the savings and investments union.
The Greek national defense reform program “Agenda 2030,” is fully aligned with the European Commission’s “Readiness 2030” initiative.
The Greek state plans to spend 25 billion euros on defense over the next decade (2025-2037), marking a drastic transformation of its defense strategy.
Great emphasis is given on Greek Industrial Participation and Innovation as well as the active participation of the Greek defense industry in all armament programs and the creation of a defense ecosystem for the development of innovation and technology, including the establishment of a defense startups incubator.
VK PREMIUM offers end-to-end advisory services, supporting enterprises to:
- Expand their activities in Defense & Security projects and create partnerships with Greek companies
- Participate in EU funding programs such as EDF, HCDI (or ELKAK) calls, HORIZON and other Greek calls
The Commission and the High Representative have presented a “White Paper for European Defense – Readiness 2030” on 19 March 2025. The Commission has also presented, as part of the “ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030”, an ambitious defense package providing financial levers to EU Member States to drive an investment surge in defense capabilities.
While the “ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030” strengthens pan-European defense capabilities with new financial means, the “White Paper” frames a new approach to defense and identifies investment needs. Furthermore, it sets out the following seven priority areas which are critical to build a robust European defense:
- Strategic enablers and critical infrastructure protection.
- Air and missile defense: an integrated, multilayered, air and missile defense that protects against a full spectrum of air threats;
- Artillery systems: advanced fire systems including modern artillery and long-range missile systems (deep precision strike);
- Ammunition and missiles;
- Drones and counter-drone systems: unmanned systems, including aerial, ground, surface and underwater vehicles;
- Military Mobility: an EU-wide network of land corridors, airports, seaports and support elements and services, that facilitate the seamless and fast transport of troops and military equipment across the EU and partner countries;
- AI, Quantum, Cyber & Electronic Warfare: defense applications using military AI and quantum computing; EU-wide advanced electronic systems.
The “ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030” seeks to mobilize substantial investment – potentially over €800 billion – in European defense. Its core pillars include:
Fiscal Flexibility for Member States: Allowing EU member states to temporarily deviate from EU budget rules to increase defense spending, potentially unlocking €650 billion over four years. This is a significant shift, acknowledging defense spending as a priority;
Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Instrument: A new financial instrument proposing up to €150 billion in loans from capital markets for joint defense procurement among Member States. This aims to:
- Accelerate defense investments.
- Improve interoperability among EU armed forces.
- Achieve economies of scale for the European defense industry.
- Reduce reliance on non-EU suppliers.
- Prioritize common procurement in key areas like air and missile defense, artillery, ammunition, drones, and military mobility.
Leveraging Existing EU Instruments: Making EU instruments more flexible, potentially allowing the redirection of existing funds (like cohesion funds) towards defense-related projects, especially where defense industries can foster innovation and local economic ecosystems;
Enhanced Role of the European Investment Bank (EIB): Lifting EIB lending restrictions to facilitate support for defense firms and projects;
Mobilizing Private Capital: Exploring mechanisms to attract private investment into the defense sector through initiatives like the Savings and Investments Union.
Strengthening the European Defense Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB): The plan emphasizes building a true EU-wide defense market, simplifying regulations, streamlining public procurement rules, reducing strategic dependencies, and fostering disruptive innovation (e.g., in AI, quantum technologies).
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